Don’T Ask, Don’T Tell’ Will End on Sept

nEIL GIULIANO TALKS WITH WCT WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, page 8 BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Sept. 14, 2011 TIMES vol 26, no. 49 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ will end on Sept. 20

Christina by Chuck Colbert tribute to their service and sacrifice as we look forward foot flag raising, the singing of the national anthem, and Santiago to this new era of military service—an era that honors the playing of “Taps.” Within a week’s time, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT),” the the contributions of all qualified Americans who wish to Darby said the event, scheduled 6-7 p.m. in the Baran remembered ban on openly gay military service, will officially end, serve.” Library at the Center on Halsted, would also include a page 11 closing an ugly and costly chapter of blatant governmen- SLDN alone has more than 50 repeal-day celebrations couple of speakers giving five-minute talks on how the tally sanctioned discrimination against gay Americans. scheduled nationwide and around the world, everywhere end of DADT and new era of open service will affect peo- Repeal of the nearly 18-year old federal law Sept. 20, from one planned at the legendary Stonewall Inn, a gay ple now and in the future. means that gay, lesbian and bisexual troops can no lon- bar in New York City, to another set for Philadelphia During a telephone interview Darby, a Korean War vet- ger be discharged from the armed forces solely on the where former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, a Pennsylvania eran, said the end of DADT feels like “somebody gave basis of sexual orientation. Democrat, a leading proponent of lifting the ban while in you a birthday present and said don’t open it until when- Repeal “is an important milestone along the journey Congress, will be the headliner. Other celebratory events ever.” to achieving LGBT equality,” said Army veteran Aubrey are scheduled from Boston to Atlanta to San Diego to “You know you are going to get it,” said Darby. “So Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal De- West Hollywood to Honolulu to Germany. some of the oomph of the celebration is gone.” Still, “I fense Network (SLDN), an advocacy organization based Here in Chicago, at least two events are planned. Chad am completely relieved and happy,” he added. in Washington, D.C., that provides legal assistance and Singer serves as host for an SLDN-sponsored night out at President Obama, delivering on a campaign pledge to information to LGBT troops. Sidetrack at 8-11 p.m. In another event, Navy veteran the LGBT community, signed repeal legislation into law “Sept. 20 will be an historic day for our service mem- Jim Darby, president of the local chapter of American bers and, indeed, our nation,” Sarvis said. “Through Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), is pulling together a Turn to page 12 RJ CHAFFIN the events taking place across the country, we will pay traditional memorial service, complete with a giant 50- MEMORIAL page 11 Fall music and movie A cooler season heralds the arrival of hot music (like [L-R] Kid Sister and Frankmusik, photos by Angela Boatwright and Jam Sutton, respectively)and movies PREVIEW (including [below, L-R] Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together, and J. Edgar, photos by Wendy Jo Cartlon and Keith Bernstein, respectively). Windy City Times’ roundup begins on page 29. hockey clinic at center on halsted page 42

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Introducing: London sofa 87”w x 42”d x 35”h special orders in fabric from $2610 NOW: $2088. Because they are specially priced: love programs and stock options plus are not included. WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS History at U.S. military academy 4 Scottish Play Scott 21 Brand n ew 2011 Lexus Baldwin ready for Senate fight 5 Knight: I Don’t Know How... 28 COME VISIT US! Same-sex parenting guidelines 6 Fall music/movie roundup 29 RETURN: Quotelines 7 Wendy Jo Carlton interview 30 ES 350 Neil Giuliano interview 8 Frankmusik talks with WCT 32 Uptown crime; Lakeview CAPS 8 Spotlight: Rogers Park 34 Caucus; Victory Fund; Lambda 10 Gay male supermodel 35 Santiago, Chaffin memorials 11 Dish: Foodgasm 36 DADT ending; gay man’s account 12 Billy Masters 41 Gay in the Life: TyJuan Cratic 13 AIDS @ 30: Pickett, more 14 OUTLINES Ex-gay viewpoint 14 Real estate; classifieds 38 Viewpoint by Blitzer-Wright; letter 20 Calendar Q 40 Hugh Stinnette Sports: Center, Chuck Wesley 42 Sales Associate Photos on cover (left, from top): Photo of Neil Giuliano courtesy of Giuliano; image of program from Christina Santiago’s memorial; photo from RJ Chaffin’s memorial by Ed Negron; photo of Mike Quigley by Ross Forman; Chris Fawcett photo courtesy of Fawcett $

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Pubert talks Rt. 53 on Dundee Rd” Hydrate’s with Erasure’s GRAB Magazine Andy Bell. benefit show. 847-991-0444 page 14 page 29 Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com www.arlingtonlexus.com 4 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES the world in regards to serving openly? ONLINE AT SF: The United States has a powerful right- wing anti-gay, anti-abortion lobby that purports WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM Sue Fulton makes to represent Christians. While their views are NATIONAL NEWS shared by only a small minority of Americans, they are very smart at politics and manipulating history at the U.S. the media, and wield power out of proportion to their numbers. These radicals—I can’t bring myself to call them Christians, since their lan- guage and actions hold no resemblance to the Military Academy Jesus I know from the Bible—have succeeded in gaining essential veto power over any political —San Francisco deals By Sarah Toce action. They demonize their political opponents, with nudity issues then cry “discrimination! bigotry!” when they On July 5, Brenda S. (“Sue”) Fulton became the incur the slightest criticism. —Gay NBA CEO (left) first openly gay veteran appointed by President It’s astonishing, really, how much power they leaves position Barack Obama to the board of visitors of the U.S. have gained, and how they have succeeded in Military Academy at West Point. The appoint- painting a remarkably centrist and even-handed —Anti-gay church ment followed a career in and surrounding the President as some kind of leftist radical. moves into liberal military spanning an impressive 31 years. WCT: What can civilians reading this inter- section of Portland A graduate of West Point herself (1980), Ful- view do to help ensure inclusive treatment of ton did not share the fact that she was gay until our LGBT soldiers in hiding? well after her graduation—13 years later—in SF: Coming out is the most powerful state- ment and lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender 1993. The culprit hindering her from complete These issues may be controversial, but I hope person can do, and it helps everyone, soldiers self-acceptance and peer group support was that we will take them up sooner rather than and civilians, gay and straight, believers and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). Fulton adhered later. non-believers. There is power in numbers. to the rules as they were enforced. With the re- WCT: You have been on the receiving end As far as supporting our LGBT troops, we have peal of DADT scheduled for Sept. 20, 2011, Ful- of history, that’s for sure. Do you feel like at least two major unresolved issues: ton is right where she belongs—speaking her you are meant to be right where you are and —We need to take a hard look at how we are truth. have been throughout the years? Seems like supporting their families. Do the partners of gay Windy City Times: You were a graduate of you have been there at every equality-driven and lesbian soldiers (and sailors, Marines, air- West Point in 1980—the first class to admit turn—we love that! Sue Fulton. Photo courtesy of Fulton men, Coast Guard members) deserve support? women to the prestigious institution. What SF: I’ve certainly been lucky—or blessed, de- What about using the commissary and PX while must that have felt like for you? Do you re- pending on your viewpoint—and I am grateful their partner is deployed and they are taking member your thoughts the day you gradu- for being able to be part of this effort. But there care of kids? What about healthcare, mental and ated? tim, not a perpetrator of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” have been more people than I can count who physical? What about relocation? Sue Fulton: Needless to say, there was a great a policy that corrupts the idea of the honor have been part of this with me, and I wish each —Are transgender veterans being treated with deal of resistance to women at West Point in code and the ideals of respect and integrity; so of them their fifteen minutes of fame! If you’d dignity and respect for the service they have those early years. Some were treated worse than my love for West Point has been undiminished like to learn about a few of them, check out the rendered? Do we know what sacrifices they’ve others—the smallest and most feminine women (though it is not without faults!). I also have OutHeroes Project at www.outserve.org/outhe- made to serve our country? What about trans- were treated the worst, so at 5’11” (and argu- many friends at West Point, cadets as well as roes! gender people who are currently serving? What ably pretty butch) I was often left alone. I think staff, faculty, and family members—gay and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has been in effect kinds of unnecessary burdens are we putting on that West Point didn’t know what they didn’t straight. Finally, in my capacity as Executive Di- since 1993 when then-President Bill Clinton them , and can we stop hounding people for know, and stumbled through those times, so I rector of Knights Out, the organization of LGBT introduced it as a compromise measure. It is things that have nothing to do with the quality am extremely proud of the class of ’80—men and West Point grads and allies, I have built strong scheduled for repeal on Sept. 20. women alike—for weathering the storms. relationships with leaders at West Point in an- of their service? WCT: It wasn’t until 1993 that you came ticipation of DADT repeal and the potential for out of the closet while working on the “Don’t us to be a valued resource. Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) campaign. How did All of which to say, I didn’t think twice about NCAA’s policy Organizations can you rectify serving in the Army where you being part of the board of visitors. It is an hon- on trans apply for could not be “out” and living the life that or, a privilege, and an immense responsibility. was personal to you with your friends and WCT: How do you plan to balance your new student athletes anti-crime initiative family? role with your existing duties as executive di- The National Collegiate Athletic Association Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police De- SF: I left the Army in 1986, shortly after my rector at Knights Out, (an organization of les- (NCAA) has announced that it has approved a partment (CPD) Superintendent Garry McCarthy obligation was complete, because I was afraid bian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered West policy that clarifies opportunities for transgen- announced the launch of A Force For Good, a to be found to be gay. For the next few years, I Point graduates and their supporters) and der student athletes to participate on college new initiative that aims to strengthen com- was out to my family, and to some friends, but OutServe (which represents actively-serving athletic teams in accordance with their gender munity- and faith-based organizations’ ability the Army had taught me to be terrified of being LGBT military personnel who cannot reveal identity, according to a press release from the to enhance safety and reduce violent crime in “discovered” to be gay, that I would lose every- their sexual identity)? National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). communities across Chicago. thing. SF: In my role on the board of visitors, I am The NCAA—which governs sports for more A Force For Good is a two-year program that WCT: Did you ever feel pressured to come out working in collaboration with other people who than 1,200 colleges and institutions—worked will provide 25 community- and faith-based of the closet while serving in the Army? Was want the best for West Point. We all have an in- closely with the NCLR’s Sports Project and organizations with skill development classes, there anyone there you could trust with the terest in educating, training, and inspiring lead- Griffin Educational Consulting to develop the technical assistance and mentorship to in- knowledge that you were in fact a gay solider? ers of character for the Army… And Knights Out policy, which “will allow a transgender stu- crease their capacity to identify, obtain and SF: I was out to a number of people I trust- and OutServe support that interest. Diversity dent athlete to participate in sex-separated manage grants and resources. ed while I was active-duty, even when I was a has long been a “force multiplier” for the U.S. sports activities so long as the athlete’s use of To be eligible for the program, a coummuni- company commander. When I told my first ser- military, and both Knights Out and OutServe are hormone therapy is consistent with the NCAA ty-based organization must be Chicago-based geant—a crusty Irishman who served in Special looking to provide any assistance we can to en- policies and current medical standards.” and serve areas with higher-than-average rates Forces in Vietnam—he shrugged and said, “Well, hance our military readiness. Under the policy: of violent crime; must have existed for at least that’s a first time for me. A’ight.” And we drove WCT: Do you believe the repeal of DADT will —A transgender male student-athlete who three years; provide services that address vio- on, working very well together! stick once and for all, or do we have more has a medical exception for testosterone hor- lent crime; have an annual budget of $500K WCT: Thirty-one years later in 2011, you work to do before receiving a satisfactory mone therapy may compete on a men’s team, or less; and have the capacity to commit to a have become the first openly gay veteran ap- and fair outcome for our military sisters and but is no longer eligible to compete on a wom- two-year period. pointed by President Barack Obama to the brothers in this country? en’s team without changing the team status to Applications for participation in this initia- board of visitors of the U.S. Military Academy SF: Of course DADT repeal will “stick.” Despite a mixed team. tive will be accepted through Sept. 15; see at West Point. How did you first hear about a few shrill (and increasingly desperate) oppo- —A transgender female student-athlete who http://www.chicagopolice.org. the news? nents, Americans overwhelmingly recognize that has taken medication to suppress testosterone SF: I heard that I was under consideration when you volunteer to serve this country, you for a year may compete on a women’s team. SAGE wellness when Brian Bond notified me, earlier in the year. shouldn’t be required to lie about your family or Also, transgender student athletes who are The vetting process is very thorough, so I knew your life. They understand that gays, lesbians, not undergoing hormone therapy remain eli- fair Sept. 16 for quite some time that it was in the works, but and bisexuals have long served in our nation’s gible to play on teams based on the gender of SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT El- had no idea if or when it might come to fruition military, and it’s time we treated them with eq- their birth sex and may socially transition by ders) Center on Halsted wil hold a wellness fair until the very day of the announcement. uity. dressing and using the appropriate pronouns Friday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at 3656 N. WCT: What was your initial reaction while That said, there is work to do. The families that match their gender identity. Halsted. contemplating the historical decision of re- of our gay and lesbian service members get no There will be various activities, workshops turning to West Point in this new capacity? support, in part due to DOMA [the Defense of and vendors. Among said activities are raffles; Did you even have to consider it? Marriage Act], and I suspect that military lead- free health screenings; and more. SF: West Point holds a special place in the ers may be taking a hard look at that. Call 773-472-6469, ext. 245, or email hearts of Americans, but particularly with gradu- WCT: Do you any have thoughts on why [email protected]. ates. I have always seen the Academy as a vic- America is so far behind other countries in WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 5 Gay-managed StreetWise’s Baldwin: financial-services ‘A Hand Up’ firm in Chicago gala Sept. 15 McDonald Partners, a full-service brokerage StreetWise—which aims to assist Chicago Ready for the fight and investment advisory firm headquartered in area men and women,who are facing home- lessness to achieve personal stability—will By Lisa Keen Gunderson ran for re-election twice after he was Cleveland, Ohio, has opened a new office in hold its “A Hand Up” fundraising gala Thurs- Keen News Service outed in 1991. Chicago, according to a press release. Baldwin noted that she has been openly gay “all The firm also has offices in Ann Arbor, Mich., day, Sept. 15, 5:30-10:30 p.m., at the Union U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin said Sept. 7 that her my adult life” and she thinks the voters of Wis- and Maumee, Ohio. League Club, 65 W. Jackson. campaign for a U.S. Senate seat from Wisconsin consin “appreciate values of honesty and integ- Commenting on the opening of the Chicago Guests will be served dinner and singer Char- “will not be about me,” but she’s “prepared to rity.” office, Thomas McDonald, Founder, President lene Brooks will provide the evening’s enter- respond to any number of likely attacks in this “And I have a lifetime commitment to equality and CEO, said, “We are extremely proud to be tainment. Entrepreneur, technology venture political age,” including ones based on her be- for all,” said Baldwin. But “this campaign,” said launching in Chicago. We see this as a logical capitalist and philanthropist J.B. Pritzker will ing gay. Baldwin, “will not be about me, it will be about next best location for our brand of hi-touch be the keynote speaker; and the honorees are Baldwin, one of only four openly gay members the middle class, the threats they’re facing, and customer service and open architecture invest- Bruce Crane, Jerry Roper and James W. Mabie. of the U.S. House, announced Tuesday that she which candidate is the best fighter for them.” ment practices.” Individuals tickets are $150, and a table of will seek the Democratic nomination to replace Meanwhile, two state representatives in Wis- Openly gay Senior Managing Director Charles 10 is $1,500. Senator Herb Kohl, a Democrat who announced in consin announced Sept. 7 that they will seek the H. Garrido Jr. is heading the Chicago office. See http://www.streetwise.org/events/ May that he would not seek re-election in 2012. Democratic nomination to run for Baldwin’s seat. Garrido has almost 30 years of experience in streetwise-gala-2011. To become a gala spon- Although Baldwin is not the first openly gay One is openly gay Rep. Mark Pocan, who filled the insurance and financial industry. sor, contact Executive Director Jim LoBianco person to run for a U.S. Senate seat, her cam- in Baldwin’s state assembly seat when she was The new office is at 3900 N. Lake Shore. See at 312-829-2526, ext. 18, or jlobianco@ paign has ignited considerable enthusiasm in the elected to Congress. The other is state Rep. Kelda http://www.mcdonald-partners.com or call streetwise.org. LGBT political community. Roys, the youngest member of the Wisconsin as- 866-899-2997. sembly and former head of the Wisconsin chapter of the pro-choice organization NARAL. ©2011 by Keen News Service. All rights re- served. Designer Stone kitchen and bath outlet KITCHENS VANITIES FAUCETS TILE PRODUCTS

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin. FALL TILE SALE! Chuck Wolfe—head of the Gay & Lesbian Vic- tory Fund, which supports openly gay candidates for elective office—said in a telephone confer- ence call with LGBT media Sept. 7 that the Vic- tory Fund “believes this will be an important race for our community.” He predicted the community would “rally around” Baldwin, whom he called a “stellar” representative of the community. Baldwin, who participated in that call and took questions from the media, said she expects the campaign to be “hotly, hotly contested,” as are all Senate races in recent years. The partisan bal- ance has been closely divided for years. Demo- crats currently have 51 seats plus two indepen- dents who caucus with them; Republicans have 47. It takes a majority of 60 to break a filibuster staged by a minority party, and the Republican Ceramic Tiles From .50 sq’ Party has made filibuster an almost routine ma- Porcelain Tiles From 1.75 sq’ neuver since 2008, in hopes of thwarting a sec- Glass Mosaics From 3.95 sq’ ond term for Democratic President Barack Obama. Following Obama’s election in 2008, Democrats Glass Subways From 5.95 sq’ and independents held 60 seats. Stone Mosaics From 7.95 sq’ Baldwin said her first challenge will be to in- troduce herself to parts of Wisconsin outside her Check out our large selection of in-stock 3x6, 12x12, 18x18, 12x24 and mosaic tiles. district of Madison, the state capital. She said FREE DESIGN SERVICE! currently polling suggests between 52 percent and 55 percent of voters in the state recognize her name. 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The Delaware Supreme Court issued a ruling in March upholding the right of a woman to be New guidelines identified as a de facto parent of a child she had been raising with her former same-sex partner— a child the partner adopted but that the woman herself did not. for same-sex In August, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that a non-biological mother has a right, under the doctrine of in loco parentis—which recog- nizes a person who acts as a parent—to a custo- parenting dy and visitation hearing regarding the child she and her former partner were raising together. However, the North Carolina Supreme Court in and custody December 2010 voided a lesbian mother’s sec- ond-parent adoption. The majority on the court said state statutes permit adoptions only if the These protections may assist with issues such by Dana Rudolph existing parent gives up all parental rights or is as medical decision-making, but may also help Keen News Service married to the person seeking to adopt, as in maintain both parents’ relationships with the the case of a stepparent. Some of the most contentious lawsuits involving children when the couple breaks up. Other cases with biological mothers trying to the rights of LGBT people have occurred when The revised document is updated to reflect deny parental rights to non-biological mothers the biological parent of a child uses anti-LGBT new laws in several states recognizing the rela- have reached the appellate or state supreme laws to try and deny the child’s non-biological tionships of same-sex couples, whether through court levels in the past few years in states in- parent custody or visitation. But several LGBT marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships. cluding Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, legal organizations have published a revised set But it cautions that same-sex parents should not Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mis- of standards aimed at stopping such behavior, rely on such laws to protect their parental rela- souri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and they’re hoping parents and attorneys will tionships with their children. Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin—again with take a pledge to abide by them. “[W]e still have a huge architecture of dis- mixed results. The publication is Protecting Families: Stan- crimination” against same-sex relationships,” In several of these cases, notably Miller v. Jen- dards for LGBT Families, produced by Gay and said Bonauto. Many states do not recognize kins, attorneys from conservative legal organiza- Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), the them at all or may not treat them in the same tions such as Liberty Counsel and the Alliance National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and way as opposite-sex relationships. This may Mary Bonauto. Photo from GLAD Defense Fund have represented the biological NCLR’s National Family Law Advisory Council. jeopardize the relationships of non-biological, mothers. It encourages lawyers to support and respect non-adoptive parents to their children. “They are making an industry of it,” Bonauto LGBT parents even when legal rights do not, and Even in Massachusetts, the first state to allow court is damaging financially and emotionally. noted of the groups. But many individual, pri- advises parents and lawyers to honor children’s same-sex couples to marry, courts may not look And it can destroy the couple’s ability to work vate attorneys, including ones in the LGBT com- relationships with both parents, seek custody favorably upon a non-biological parent who has together as parents. munity, are also representing biological mothers resolutions that minimize conflict, and use liti- not also done a “second-parent adoption” of a There have been a number of recent cases against non-biological mothers in such cases. gation only as a last resort. spouse’s biological child, she said. across the country in which a biological or adop- GLAD will soon be launching an online pledge Mary Bonauto, the director of GLAD’s Civil “There are still very parent-specific protec- tive parent tries to claim the other parent has no where attorneys can promise not to take these Rights Project, authored the original version of tions you should try to avail yourself of,” said parental rights. Best known among them is the cases and to endorse the revised standards. Par- the standards in 1999. She said the intent of Bonauto. Some protections may be available case of Janet Jenkins and Lisa Miller, which has ents, too, can pledge to uphold them. the document is to urge same-sex parents to use even in states that have constitutional bans grabbed headlines nationally. Miller, the biologi- New Jersey attorney William Singer, a mem- whatever parental protections are available in against marriage for same-sex couples. cal mother, asked courts in both Virginia and ber of the Family Law Advisory Council, said he their states, “for the sake of your children.” If parents do break up, she said, going to Vermont to deny Jenkins visitation and custody, hopes attorneys will discuss the standards with and has taken issues to the U.S. Supreme Court parents, not just at the time of breakups, but five times, without success each time. also at the time of family creation, “to try and Miller was eventually ruled in contempt of impress upon both parents why it’s so important court for defying a Vermont court order that she to maintain continuity of relationships for their allow Jenkins visitation. The court then granted children.” legal custody to Jenkins. But Miller went hid- The standards are available via GLAD’s web- ing with the girl at the end of 2009, and a man site, http://www.glad.org. accused of helping her leave the U.S. was ar-

raigned in a federal court in April. ©2011 by Keen News Service. All rights re- Many similar cases exist, and the outcomes served.

raffle tickets and an auction paddle. ‘Garden of Eve’ Sept. 16 The 2011 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of “Garden of Eve”—an annual gala benefiting Fame induction ceremony will be held 6 p.m. the Lesbian Community Care Project at Howard Wed., Nov. 9, at the Chicago History Museum, Brown Health Center—will take place Friday, 1601 N. Clark St. Sept. 16, 8-11 p.m., at Carnivale, 702 W. Ful- Individuals, businesses and organizations ton St. that wish to donate or need additional in- The Jeannie Tanner Quartet, Katie Todd, Diva formation may contact Israel Wright at 312- Kai, Christina Kent, Daniela Sloan and Eileen 401-8893 or [email protected], or Censotti will entertain, with DJ Gloria Alers the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame at and DJ Teri Bristol spinning dance music. The 773-281-5077. Contributions may be sent to event also features a raffle, a silent auction, Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. of Fame, 3712 N. Broadway, Box 637, Chicago, Tickets purchased before Aug. 31 start Ill., 60613-4235. at $100; see http://www.lccp.org/events. php?ID=228. End-of-DADT event Hall of Fame benefit Sept. 20 at Center The Chicago chapter of American Veterans auction Sept. 20 for Equal Rights (AVER) will hold an event to at Sidetrack mark the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Tues- The 19th Annual Hall of Fame Celebrity Auc- day, Sept. 20, 6-7 p.m., at Center on Halsted, tion, benefiting the 2011 Chicago Gay and 3656 N. Halsted. Lesbian Hall of Fame, will take place Tuesday, The AVER Honor Guard will post the colors; Sept. 20, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. travis will sing the national anthem; and sev- The registration reception, silent auction eral speakers will give first-hand accounts of and raffle begin at 7 p.m., and the bidding serving under this policy including Jose Zuni- starts at 8 p.m. David Boyer, NBC-5’s Chicago ga, a member of the Servicemembers Legal De- Wayne Johnson and Velicity Metropolis will fense Network. auction off donations during the evening. See http://www.averchicago.org. The registration fee of $10 includes one cocktail, hors d’oeuvres from J&L Catering, WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 7 QUOTELINES compiled BY KATE SOSIN Bakker and Tammy Faye Bakker, on the Joy Behar Show, Aug. 23 “I never told Rick Perry to run for anything. I did suggest he stop harassing gays, Mexicans, “It’s official, after 11 years together, Zora’s and Muslims, however,’ -God.”—sign by Texas no longer a bastard. Married the best man I’ve Baptist Church, posted to The Bilerico Project, ever known.” — Glee Actor Cheyenne Jackson Aug. 22 tweeting on his marriage to Monte Lapka and on his dog, Sept. 5. “Drawing a parallel between homosexuality and alcoholism is offensive enough, but I’m especially impressed by Perry’s assertion that gays should choose abstinence… If, on the Crazy-O-Meter, Michele Bachmann calling ho- mosexuality “part of Satan” registers as a 10, Perry’s published argument has to be at least a 9.5.”—Steve Benen, commenting on Perry’s 2008 book “On My Honor,” on his blog, Aug. 24

“Oh my God, literally I almost passed out ev- ery night. What is my life? Running around backstage dropping leotards! I’d run off stage PUTTING THE as soon as ‘Loser Like Me’ was over, run into the changing booth and strap the leotard on. It was never a glamorous sight to see. And then I would run around the arena, perform, HER IN HISTORY and as soon as ‘Single Ladies’ was over and I waved to the crowd, I’d get to where the crowd could not see me I would fall on the floor every night.”—Glee’s Chris Colfer, on his costume changes on tour, to the Huffington Post, When Jackie Bross, a World War II machinist, was arrested for dressing like a man, Aug. 22 ensuing protests pressured the City Council to reform the 1851 dress law. Cheyenne Jackson. Photo courtesy of Monte “Stereotypes, misconceptions, bigotry and Lapka fear of lesbians, gays and their families abound. There is, for example, a widespread Discover the city through the lens of gender, sexuality and nonconformity belief held by many opponents of gay rights “In January the IRD [Institute of Religion & at Out in Chicago — a groundbreaking exhibition that explores 150 years that homosexual men are more likely to Democracy] slammed the U.S. State Depart- of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Chicagoans and their molest children than heterosexuals…’ Is it ment for working to prevent the abuse and ex- possible that Judge Prine believes that the ecutions of LGBT people in foreign countries. quests for self-identity, family, community and political action. children’s step-father or another gay man is Everybody got that? If the United States tries more likely than a heterosexual to molest the to help foreign gays, that is anti—Christian kids or turn them into brainwashed zombie meddling in the affairs of sovereign nations. drag queens?”–Blogger Geoff Berg on chron. But if the IRD can propagandize the very mur- OPEN THROUGH MARCH 26, 2012 com, speaking of a Texas judge’s denial of child ders the State Department is working to stop? custody to a gay dad, Aug. 22 WAHOO. What filthy, transparent, hypocritical GENERAL ADMISSION $14 FREE FOR MEMBERS motherfuckers.” — Blogger “Joe.My.God” re- “There are still many gay and lesbian people sponds to an IRD post that asserts that “liberal at high levels of the corporate world who are activists” are silent on Iran executions, posted to afraid to come out. Cook’s appointment will his blog, Sept. 8. help open the corporate closet.”—Rodney Croome, the spokesman for Australian Marriage “Joe [her son] turns to me the other day and Equality, speaks about new Apple CEO Tim Cook says, ‘One day, I will have a girlfriend. But I to the Atlantic, Aug. 25 might have a boyfriend. If I’m gay.’ He’s 7! And I said, ‘You might have a girlfriend or a “Whatever my problems with Glee have noth- boyfriend, darling.’ And he said, ‘Which would ing to do with the incredibly talented cast you prefer?’ And I said, ‘My love, that would itself. Have tastelessly bashed the show not be entirely up to you, and it doesn’t make the actors … And no the producers of the any difference to me.’ But that he knows! It’s script I wrote (Downers Grove) which Darren a real privilege. Talk about the best educa- Clark Street at North Avenue 312.642.4600 www.chicagohistory.org Criss might (or might not) star in didn’t make tion.” — Kate Winslet talks about her son in V me write that tweet.”—writer Bret Easton Ellis Magazine’s September issue. on his Twitter, four months after a tirade about “I think this is likely the start of a trend how watching Glee was like stepping “into a pud- PRESENTING SPONSORS: dle of HIV,” Aug. 21. globally that I’d rather we be leading than following. This is a very close ally who sees “In New York City, a very disproportionate the same information we do, and they’ve de- number (up to 40%), of homeless youth termined that gay donors pose no risk to the identify as LGBT. Even more disturbing are re- blood supply.” — U.S. Sen. John Kerry responds ports that these young people often face dis- to partial lifting of the lifetime gay blood ban in the UK, in a statement to The Advocate, Sept. 9. crimination and at times physical assault in LEAD CORPORATE SPONSOR: some of the very places they have to for help. This is shocking and inexcusable!”—Cyndi “Jane Lynch will be nicer than Sue Sylvester. Lauper, announcing the True Colors Residence Sue Sylvester would make the show explosive. housing program for LGBT youth on the West End You would walk away with a show you would Intergenerational Residence website never forget, if it were Sue Sylvester. But it might be kind of war—like and angry and vio- “I almost went bankrupt when I said I love lent. I think a show with Jane Lynch would everybody. You know, this wasn’t a popularity be a lot nicer and easier to digest.”—Jane contest. This was just me following a deep Lynch imagines what it would be like to host the conviction. And it all came from understand- Emmy’s as her scheming character on “Glee” with GO BEHIND THE SCENES ing god’s Grace and god’s love, you know... AfterElton.com, Sept. 1. SCAN THE TAG They say—I’ve always had people say, you know, Jay, too much grace, it’s a slippery QR Tag by EventCode.info slope. And it is a slippery slope to loving everybody. I’m glad I got to slide on down it.”—pastor Jay Bakker, son of televangelists Jim 8 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES Neil Giuliano on Cappleman, Lakeview tensions residents decline with helping LGBT teens ‘frustrated’ over decrease in crime By KATE SOSIN by KATE SOSIN Uptown violence BY KATE SOSIN With the summer winding down, so, too, ap- pear to be tensions in Lakeview, where just LGBT nonprofit Live Out Loud is asking LGBT over 30 people turned out to a Sept. 7 CAPS adults to do something that might truly terrify A string of shootings in the Uptown neighbor- (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) meet- them: return to high school for a day. hood have riled residents there, who crowded ing. In an effort that predates Dan Savage’s “It into a Sept. 6 CAPS (Community Alternative After months of controversy due to a per- Gets Better Video Project,” Live Out Loud sends Policing Strategy) meeting to voice their con- ceived increase in crime, the battle between LGBT adults back to their high schools to talk cerns. youth who say they are targeted by anti-crime about their experiences growing up and coming The violence comes after a summer of con- efforts and residents who say that those con- out for the “Homecoming Project.” troversy in neighboring Lakeview where resi- versations have distracted from their efforts The organization is calling on LGBT Chicago- dents fear that crime rates are on the rise in to make a safe neighborhood seem to have ans to participate. Those who do will join the the heart of Boystown, the community’s gay quieted. ranks of “Milk” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, entertainment district. The concerns have re- The September CAPS meeting for beats 2324 who returned to his Salinas, Calif., school last sulted in added pressure on 23rd District po- and 2331, which encompass Boystown, fo- year. lice, who patrol both neighborhoods. cused less on less on current crime and more In early January 2009, Neil Giuliano returned Approximately 80 residents filled the cafete- on solutions that had been found. to his high school for the first time in more than ria at Harry S. Truman College in Uptown. Resi- “My sense is some people are feeling some 30 years. A past president of the Gay and Les- dents challenged police and 46th Ward Alder- progress,” Captain Thomas Lemmur told Windy bian Alliance Against Defamation; a former four- man James Cappleman to weed out gangs that City Times, adding that dropping temperatures term mayor of Tempe, Ariz.; and the current CEO they say are bringing trouble to the neighbor- will also mean a drop in crime. of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Giuliano Neil Giuliano. Photo courtesy of Giuliano hood. Police confirmed that additional officers had told students that he lost every election he ran “We need to stand up as a community to been put along Halsted Street earlier in the for in high school only to succeed later in life. these boys,” said one mother. summer, but a string of shootings in neigh- Windy City Times caught up with Giuliano to NG: Only via Facebook. Three were wounded and one killed in recent boring Uptown in late August diverted some talk about why he thinks the Homecoming Proj- WCT: I imagine other gay people might say, days as alleged gang members exchanged fire resources back to that part of the 23rd police ect is important, why going back to his high “Oh well, he’s famous so it’s different for him on Aug. 28 and Aug. 30 in three separate inci- district. school gave him jitters and why he believes he to go back.” How do you think average LGBT dents. “We’ve had serious incidents earlier in the was a geek in high school. people can make a difference by going back The shootings were thought to be gang- year [in Lakeview], and we have not had them Windy City Times: Honestly, the thought of to their schools? related, as gang recruitment picks up at the since,” Lemmur said. going back to my high school really terrifies NG: Listen: I am far from famous. No one knew start of each new school year, according to Many residents said that they felt the new me. What made you decide to go back to your who I was before I got there, other than I had Cappleman. weekend parking ban had much to do with a high school after such a long time? graduated from the school. We all have a story According to police, the last four shootings Neil Giuliano: The invitation from Live Out to share, and the more we share them, the more in the neighborhood occurred within 75 feet Loud gave me a valuable purpose for return- we can change hearts and minds and have an of a police officer. Still, police said, crime rates ing, to help educate and perhaps even motivate influence for good. are steadily dropping in Uptown. young people to be themselves, live openly and WCT: For people who are on the fence about “This is just a continuation of an ongoing serve others in life. going back to their high school for this proj- gang dispute that’s been going on for years,” WCT: What has changed in the 30-plus years ect, what do you have to say? said Lieutenant Bob Stasch. “Right now things since you have been there? NG: Do it. You’ll have a big impact on the have stabilized over the last week with the in- NG: Well, for starters, physically it was dif- young people, and the staff and feel great about creased presence.” ferent. There had been a huge addition to the the experience. Truman College President Reagan Romali was school. But you know, it still felt the same, and WCT: Any plans to return and do this again on hand to assure the community that the col- the auditorium was the same as when I sat in for a fresh set of students in a year or two? lege was also responding to safety concerns there for assemblies 30-some years prior. NG: Sure, If I am invited! and launching a security task force. WCT: Were you nervous to go back? To see a video on Giuliano’s project as well Residents expressed a desire for more police NG: Of course! I wasn’t sure how I would be as that of Dustin Lance Black’s or to learn and better lighting around the school, where received. But it felt right, and everyone was about doing the project at your high school, residents say the school’s parking garage is Lakeview CAPS meeting. Photo by Ed Negron wonderful and welcoming. check out http://www.liveoutloud.info/wp. casting dark shadows on the street. WCT: Did you know you were gay when you Police added that El stops have been hit hard decrease in problems along Halsted. were in high school? by crime as commuters zone out on their cell A pilot project of the 44th Ward alderman’s NG: I knew I was different, but I never defined phones, making them easy targets for grab- Third GOP office, the ban restricts weekend parking on that aspect of myself back then. I had little and-dash thieves. Such has been true of the Halsted from Belmont to Buckingham and on sense of my sexuality either way in high school. Wilson stop, which sits at Wilson and Broad- candidate OKs Belmont from Clark to Halsted from midnight I was a classic leadership geek, over-involved, way, an ongoing trouble area in the neighbor- to 5 a.m. Residents who advocated for the ban and my relationships were with clubs and such marriage equality hood. Republican presidential candidate Gary said that visitors to the neighborhood often more so than other students. I had friends and Stasch called the problem “victimology,” Johnson’s campaign staff announced Sept. used their cars along Halsted as a home base all, but no love connections, so to speak, one meaning that people who fail to take precau- 3 that he is considering supporting mar- to party and drink, keeping residents awake at way or the other. I just thought I was a late tions leave themselves vulnerable to crime. He riage for same-sex couples. Former New night and blocking the sidewalk from view of bloomer. urged residents to make sure their windows Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson joined former police. WCT: What did you take away from being and doors were locked and that they remained Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer, another Re- Despite some protest over the ban, residents able to go to your high school as a successful alert when commuting. publican presidential candidate who said at the meeting reported that they felt the ban out gay man? Cappleman wrapped up the meeting and an- two weeks ago that he, too, now is con- was working. NG: It felt good. I was an average student— nounced his master plan on public safety in sidering supporting same-sex marriage. A “There is a very different feel…with the did not really stand out in my class of over 700 the ward. The alderman has been working on third Republican candidate, longtime polit- parking ban,” said one Halsted resident. “I students, involved but not super-high-profile, the plan with a task force of residents, he said. ical strategist and gay activist Fred Karger, was walking home and was like ‘wow, this is and since I lost every student office I ever ran That plan includes looking at five “hot spots” has endorsed full marriage rights since his great.’” for, not super-popular either. for crime, talking to property owners at 13 campaign began in March. Another young person said he felt the park- WCT: Did you encounter any resistance from “problem” buildings and identifying residents Johnson changed his positions on four ing ban was complimenting efforts to make your high school when you approached them who have more than 20 arrests. out of 12 issues after studying a table that the neighborhood safe. “We [youth] fully sup- to do this? “We have some people in this community recently went online that compares all 13 port the parking ban,” he said. NG: LIve Out Loud took care of everything and with over 300 arrests,” Cappleman said. candidates (http://www.MarriageEqual- Finally, residents inquired about the recent I think the school’s gay straight alliance, key While Cappleman took heat from some frus- ity.org/Election2012). The table has been Halsted fire that destroyed the home and of- club and student government were all involved trated residents, he urged constituents to fo- revised to show Roemer’s and Johnson’s fice of Stacy Bridges, publisher of GRAB maga- with the event. cus on solutions that involved the entire com- policy changes. zine. WCT: What has changed at your high school munity, not just police. Nine other Republican candidates all The fire, said Lemmur, is “believed to have in the last few years since you did the Home- “I’m angry and frustrated as well,” he said. firmly oppose full marriage rights for same- been an accident,” not arson. coming Project? Is the school more LGBT- “…but we know the real big secret is eyes on sex couples: Michele Bachmann, Herman The meeting wrapped up in just 20 minutes. friendly as a result? the street.” Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Thad- Residents of the 44th Ward are encouraged NG: I’m not sure, but hopefully the school is deus McCotter, Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt to submit their feedback on the parking ban more and more welcoming for all students. Romney, and Rick Santorum. to the alderman’s office by emailing ward44@ WCT: Have you kept in touch with any of the —Ned Flaherty cityofchicago.org. students there? WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 9 10 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT Chicagoans, “In every state that has been able to achieve DNC’s LGBT caucus marriage [equality] by legislative means, Victory Fund set they’ve had at least five openly gay members in the state legislature,” Shore said. sights on elections For Chicago specifically, Shore said, LGBT meets in Chicago BY KATE SOSIN leaders are working on diversifying both their candidate and voter base. By ERICA DEMAREST in the LGBT caucus as an African American.” With political campaigns gearing up across the “We need to be west of Halsted and be seen Walker will tour the country this fall with the country, the Gay and Lesbian Victory rolled as that,” she said. “We live in lots of districts The Democratic National Committee (DNC)’s DNC to fundraise for the 2012 election and in- into Chicago Sept. 8-11 to talk LGBT politics and need to become more active in being LGBT Caucus met Sept. 10 in downtown Chicago crease LGBT visibility. Possible names for the with local leaders and potential candidates well-known all over the city, the country and for its fall meeting. Members discussed past suc- tour, he joked, included “Priscilla, Queen of the across the nation. state.” cesses and laid out 2012 election strategies. Desert” or “The Dream Girls Tour.” The organization held its first-ever Chicago The Victory Fund is also working to teach “I can’t think of anything more important Caucus Chair Rick Stafford moderated the roundtable discussion on LGBT politics Sept. candidates how to balance being openly LGBT we have on our plates right now than getting meeting, which roughly 40 people attended. 8 and then convened its candidate and cam- with running a mainstream political campaign, [Obama] elected; we cannot afford to go back- States represented included: Maine, New Jersey, paign training over the weekend, bringing in without getting pigeonholed as a gay candi- political hopefuls from all over the nation. date. The idea, said Shore, is to use questions Metropolitan Water Reclamation District about sexual orientation to “pivot” the con- Commissioner Debra Shore hosted the round- versation back to the reasons why they’re run- table discussion. Shore also sits on the Victory ning. Fund’s Gay and Lesbian Leadership Institute Approximately 15 LGBT leaders attended the board. roundtable discussion while 40 people filled The strategy for upcoming elections, said the limited number of slots at the candidate Shore, is to increase the number of openly gay and campaign training. legislators in states where a small increase The next step is to get more local LGBT peo- could make the difference between passing ple to consider candidacy, said Shore: “Folks LGBT protections and seeing them fail. need to think about it and step and run.”

ASK LAMBDA LEGAL Faith-based foster care agencies By Susan Sommer

Dear Ask Lambda Legal, The DNC LGBT caucus that recently convened in Chicago. Photo by Erica Demarest My partner and I live in Illinois and are in a civil union. We are thinking about becoming foster parents, but have heard about problems with certain child welfare agencies. Should we be concerned? wards,” said Brian Bond, director of constitu- Wisconsin, Minnesota, California and Arkansas. A member of Democrats Abroad even flew in ency outreach at the DNC. “I firsthand know that Congratulations! This year saw advances for from Paris, France. there has been frustration out there. Trust me. same-sex couples in Illinois, as well as in New Stafford presented awards to two allies of the But I can also tell you… This president and his York, Hawaii, Delaware and Rhode Island. Mar- community “who watch over for us, help us, and administration are truly making our lives better riage equality prevailed in New York, while guide us,” and encouraged caucus members to as human beings and LGBT Americans.” civil unions were signed into law in the other focus on reelecting Obama so that we don’t re- The LGBT Caucus assembly was part of the four states—each new law provides hundreds vert to “prehistoric times” under GOP leadership. DNC’s larger fall festivities hosted at the JW Mar- of rights and responsibilities for same-sex cou- Representatives from Obama’s 2012 campaign riott Chicago Hotel. The two-day event featured ples. For those of you who are hoping to raise team detailed a re-election plan that involves appearances from Steve Kerrigan, CEO of the children, these laws can provide important le- identifying and mobilizing key communities. Susan Sommer. Photo courtesy of Lambda 2012 Democratic National Convention; Michael gal protections as your family grows. Chief among them: LGBT voters. The represen- Legal Madigan, Democratic Party of Illinois chair; U.S. Illinois has recently received national at- tatives’ PowerPoint presentation illustrated how Sen. Dick Durbin; Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel; tention because of a case brought by Catholic partnering with LGBT leaders in different re- and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Charities, a faith-based social service orga- When the state removes children from their gions could have a powerful trickle-down effect The LGBT meeting started with a call for cel- nization which, until recently, received state original homes and places them in foster throughout queer communities. ebration. Earlier that morning, New Jersey Dem- funds to provide foster care and adoption ser- care, it’s often because of situations involving The campaign team will soon launch http:// ocrat Barbra “Babs” Casbar Siperstein became vices for children. When the civil union law abuse or neglect. These children can then lan- lgbt.barackobama.com. the first transgender person elected to the DNC’s went into effect, Catholic Charities asserted guish for years in state care, in group or foster executive committee. that, on religious grounds, it would not pro- homes. The overwhelming consensus among When a caucus member encouraged her to be vide foster care placement services to couples social science and child welfare experts is that good at her first meeting, Siperstein quipped, “I in civil unions, or to other unmarried or same- lesbian and gay adults make fit parents and don’t know about good. I’ll be careful.” sex couples. are an important resource for children in foster Most of the gathering focused on maintaining State and federal law prohibits an organiza- care. and increasing LGBT representation. Metropoli- tion that receives government funds and con- When an agency charged with finding chil- tan Water Reclamation District Commissioner tracts to provide government services from us- dren stable homes shrinks the pool of pro- Debra Shore, one of the first openly gay people ing religious beliefs to dictate to whom it will spective foster and adoptive parents based on elected countywide, told the room how she’d provide those services. Illinois rightly declined false beliefs that same-sex couples aren’t good procured domestic partner benefits in her office: to provide tax dollars to an agency that denies parents, it does unnecessary harm to these She asked for them. Benefits were swiftly voted loving homes to children in government foster children. It also sends a dangerous, stigmatiz- on and passed unanimously, she said. care based on the agency’s discriminatory poli- ing message to the many LGBT young people “I asked [the executive director] why this cies. An Illinois court upheld the government’s in foster care, that these youth will never be agency hadn’t done that sooner, and he said to decision, in a case in which Lambda Legal and fit to parent children of their own. Children in me, ‘Well, nobody asked,’” Shore said. “So, at a child welfare organizations filed a friend-of- the foster care system deserve every chance of minimum the one reason it’s important for us to the-court brief. finding stable, loving homes. be in elected office is that we ask.” In recent years, Catholic Charities agencies in In Illinois, and across the country, a num- Arkansas state Rep. Kathy Webb then detailed Boston and the District of Columbia decided to ber of social service agencies have a his- how she helped pass that state’s anti-bullying stop providing foster care and adoption servic- tory of working with same-sex couples look- bill earlier this year. Arkansas is the 11th state es rather than comply with non-discrimination ing to become foster parents. If you have in the county to offer both sexual orientation laws and professional child welfare standards a legal question or need legal assistance, and gender identity protection, and Webb was by making placements with same-sex couples. please visit http://www.lambdalegal.org/ voted the most effective lawmaker in the Arkan- However, these examples were the exception, help. sas legislature. not the rule. Most social service agencies— Susan Sommer is senior counsel and direc- DNC Deputy Political Director Steve Walker whether faith-based or not—in states that tor of constitutional litigation for Lambda urged the caucus to recruit more members of accord legal recognition to same-sex couples’ Legal. color. “It’s important for me to identify myself relationships, follow state non-discrimination Ask Lambda Legal is a new monthly fea- as a gay man in the Black caucus,” he said. “It’s requirements. ture in Windy City Times. also just as important for me to identify myself Rick Stafford. Photo by Erica Demarest WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 11 “More than one person has said to me that “Tomorrow is promised to no one, so we must they knew she was special but it didn’t dawn on live as she lived,” said Lydia Matos, Santiago’s Friends and family them how special until she left us,” said Alma aunt. Izquierdo, who was friends with Santiago and Despite the upbeat messages, most who re- also worked with her in Amigas Latinas. “She re- membered Santiago appeared teary-eyed as they celebrate Santiago’s life kindled my faith in the goodness of humanity.” recalled a person that they said lived unencum- “She wore her identity with pride and made bered by hesitation or hope. it look like fun,” said Lisa Katona, who worked “You did not wait for life to become what you BY KATE SOSIN message said. with Santiago through LCCP. wanted it to,” said Rivera of Santiago. “You dove According to Kimberly Marks, a friend of the Amigas Latinos Board Chair Rosa Yadira Ortiz in heart first.” Approximately 400 people filled the auditorium couple, meeting Santiago changed Brennon as a also fondly remembered her “go-to” buddy San- The ceremony ended with a poem, “Her Jour- at the Chicago History Museum to honor the life person. Marks said it was the happiest she had tiago, and said how much she misses Santiago ney,” read by Kim Duffey. It ended: “And think of of LGBT community activist Christina Santiago seen Brennon. every day. her as living / in the hearts of those she touched Sept. 10. Friends played a slideshow of Santiago and Those who spoke of Santiago urged mourners / for nothing loved is ever lost / and she was Santiago’s friends, family, co-workers, fellow Brennon. Pictures included shots with their to celebrate her short life. loved so much.” activists and her wife, Alisha Brennon, were dogs, the two with their civil union certificate, among those present. their new rings and their travels together. “It never ceases to amaze us how much Chris- On display in front of the stage were pictures tina was capable of giving,” Aaron Stielstra, a of Santiago and her Chicago Force football jer- close friend of Santiago’s from New York, remem- sey. Santiago’s family from New York came to the Chaffin’s life remembered bered. “For a person so small in build, she truly memorial, as did friends from her home city. had one of the biggest shoulders to cry on.” Santiago’s friends remembered the 29-year-old Emotions were still raw nearly a month after as fiercely intelligent, unstoppable as an advo- Santiago was killed in the Indiana State Fair cate and often hilarious as a friend. stage collapse Aug. 13. Santiago’s childhood best friend from New Santiago was well-known in Chicago’s LGBT York, Gabrielle Rivera, recalled that Santiago be- community as the manager of programming for friended her “right away, even though I was the Howard Brown Health Center’s Lesbian Commu- weird girl with thick glasses and one eyebrow.” nity Care Project (LCCP). She was also the board Her friend Stielstra laughed about how Santia- programming chair of Amigas Latinas. go explained that her reason for going skydiving She was buried in her home state of New York with Brennon was “because there was a Groupon last month next to her mother. Friends and fam- for it.” ily waited to hold the Chicago memorial service until Brennon, who is still recovering from the accident, could attend. Brennon approached the stage with help from Santiago’s aunt, Lydia Matos. She recalled how nervous she was when she asked Santiago on a first date in March 2009. “I didn’t think I had a chance with her,” Bren- non joked, remembering that when Santiago agreed to the date, Brennon questioned if she was serious. On June 13, 2009, Brennon said, Santiago Community activist, businessman and promoter RJ Chaffin was remembered by friends and agreed to be her girlfriend. Two years later to family during a memorial celebration Sept. 10 at the Center on Halsted. the day, the couple obtained a civil-union li- hundreds of photos and personal awards and mementos were displayed for the memorial cense in Illinois, just two weeks after such tribute, each giving a look into the unique passions of this long-time gay activist. Chaffin unions became legal in the state. One month had worked at GayLife newspaper in the 1970s and for International Mr. Leather for many later, on July 13, the two had their civil union. years. He also owned RJ’s Video on Halsted, and volunteered and donated to dozens of AIDS It was exactly another month before Santiago and LGBT charities. was killed at the concert. bill Greaves and Chaffin’s sister Mary Kay Lyons presented a tribute from Mayor Rahm Brennon said she planned to live her life in Emanuel. Gary Chichester, Chaffin’s best friend and colleague for decades, also spoke about pursuit of the goals she shared with Santiago. Chaffin. Mona Noriega, a founder of Amigas Latinas there were many photos projected on the screen, and there were musical tributes to some and the current commissioner of the City of Chi- of Chaffin’s favorite characters from Disney and from Wicked. Other speakers and performers cago Commission on Human Relations, read a scheduled were Cyon Flare, Shelley Rosenbaum, Paul Sullenger, Dean Ogren, Rita McConville, message from Mayor Emanuel to Brennon. Jeffrey Roscoe, Jason Krumwiede and Michael Favreau. Photos by Ed Negron; more online at “I extend my deepest sympathies to all who Program from the Santiago memorial. http://windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=33709 called her their own and especially to you,” the 12 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

DADT from cover commanding officer (CO) suggested he re- Lee Reinhart reflects enlist, even offering Darby two years at Mon- terey language school to study any language Dec. 22, 2010. However, a provision of the he wanted. measure required the president, Defense sec- However, citing “personal problems” Darby retary, and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman to declined the offer. “I just knew I could not last on impact of DADT “certify” military readiness for DADT repeal. 20 years,” he said. Darby was sure, he added, After months of training to implement open the CO knew the “personal problem he had to by Chuck Colbert “They have no proof on you,” he recalled lawyers service, the top three defense officials sent work out” was all about being gay. saying: “You have prior service. There’s never written notification to Congress July 22 of Like many sailors, Darby landed assignments Lee Reinhart, a veteran of both the Navy and been an incident about you or this issue. You troop preparedness to lift the ban. For repeal that he liked. “I was very fortunate because Coast Guard, is well aware of the insidious and can stay on. We will take you off this command to take effect, however, a 60-day waiting pe- I went from radio school in Seattle to Tele- arbitrary nature of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The immediately. All we need you to do is tell us you riod (until Sept. 20) was required. type school in Washington, D.C., to Russian Navy handed him an honorable discharge, while are not gay. No more questions.” Meanwhile, historian Nathaniel Frank, au- language school—all things I loved to do.” the Coast Guard fired him for being gay under “But I couldn’t do it,” said Reinhart. thor of the 2009 book Unfriendly Fire: How the Nevertheless, the Navy four-year navy man the soon-to-be-repealed federal law and military Shipboard on the Cowpens, however, tells an Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens also came close to being discharged for homo- policy. entirely different story of gay life in the Navy. America,” offered an historical perspective on sexuality. “I was investigated in Seattle while During the mid-1990s, Reinhart served in the Initially, Reinhart told only a few close friends dawn of a new era. waiting for a top secret clearance,” he said, Navy aboard the U.S.S. Cowpens (CG-63), a guid- that he was gay. For his first six-month deploy- “This is a big win politically for the LGBT recalling a dark room with five men sitting ed missile cruiser. There, he was an openly gay ment, they kept his secret. community and for advocates of equality and around a table. “Their very first question,” he operations specialist. His two years on the Cow- “But before we left on a second six-month civil rights,” he said in a telephone interview. recalled: “Do you know what a homosexual is?” pens were “the greatest time of my life,” said tour, I knew that I didn’t want to deploy and “In one sense, a major shame for the country Reinhart recently during a telephone interview. not be comfortable,” Reinhart said. “The friends “I was terrified that I had been found out” “Everyone knew I was gay. The commanding of- who knew—it was wearing on them, keeping the said Darby, fearing this was the end of his ca- ficer and I never had a discussion about it, but secret for me.” reer. he obviously knew.” He continued, “So I packed my sea bag, put it What prompted this investigation? Darby “Our ship was the lead ship in the 1998 mis- on my rack, went up the see the operations offi- had gone on liberty with a friend suspected sile strike against Afghanistan,” Reinhart said. cer, and turned myself in for being gay, knowing of being gay. Somehow Navy authorities Consequently, “Our captain made admiral com- once I did that, he would put me off the ship.” thought he was involved. Investigator asked “To my wonderful surprise,” said Reinhart, “crazy questions,” Darby said, recalling a few “the operations officer said, ‘Nice try. You are of them: “Did I hear any sounds coming from not going anywhere. If anyone bothers you, let a nearby bed? Who slept with whom? And fi- me know.’” nally, what do you think of homosexuality?” Looking back on Navy days, “I was blessed,” “I said it was against my religion,” said Dar- Reinhart said. “At quarters, I freely talked about by who got the top-secret clearance. what I did the night before. There were three or DADT dates back to Nov. 30, 1993, when four openly gay people on my ship.” Bill Clinton signed the policy into federal law, Recently, Reinhart met up with a former ship- although drumming gay soldiers out of the mate who is straight. One thing his friend says military dates back 233 years to the American that he misses is the weekly brunches when the Revolutionary War when the first gay soldier straight men went to gay bars in San Diego for Jim Darby. Photo by Tracy Baim got the boot. As early as March 11, 1778, the brunch,” Reinhart said. “That was their way of Continental Army kicked out Lieutenant Fred- showing support. They always went to gay bars erick Gotthold Enslin, who is “the first known soldier to be dismissed from the U.S. military for Sunday brunch.” will be wiped away although its legacy and for homosexuality,” according to the late Ran- When asked how he felt about the end of heritage will always be there,” he added. dy Shilts in his 1995 book Conduct Unbecom- “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Reinhart said, “It feels “This was a unique form of discrimination ing. Enslin’s offenses were sodomy and perjury. pretty damn good.” because the policy was not on its face value The current ban on openly gay service mem- Also, the Navy man turned gay-rights/repeal about excluding people,” Frank explained, bers was a compromise measure between the activist has a sense of accomplishment in lobby- adding, “It was about denying [gay service president and Congress. Clinton had cam- ing U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, an Illinois Republican, members] existed and forcing them not to talk Lee Reinhart. Photo courtesy of Reinhart paigned on a promise to end sexual orienta- to change his vote in favor of lifting the ban. about themselves. This was a policy of insti- tion discrimination in the armed forces but “I feel I was part of making that happen,” said tutionalized denial and ignorance, and preju- once in office bumped up against strong oppo- Reinhart. dice.” sition from Congress and Pentagon top brass. ing out of that mission. And I was asked to be With the day of celebration fast approaching, Indeed, the end DADT holds personal signifi- DADT was supposed to mean that gay, lesbi- on the admiral’s staff, as well as cook, who was Reinhart offered an observation. “It is important cant for the Navy-vet-turned-activist Darby. an and bisexual persons could serve, but only also gay.” for history to remember our straight brothers Lifting the ban “removes a big road block,” he by staying closeted. In reality it was a night- However, after four years of service, Reinhart and sisters who stood beside us when it wasn’t said, because the country’s “largest employer,” mare even for those who stayed quiet. Some returned to Chicago and civilian life. The events safe,” he said. “They knew it was important for the U.S. military “is not going to be discrimi- were outed by fellow service members; some of 911, however, prompted the sailor to re-en- us to serve.” nating” against gays any more. commanders interpreted “telling” as being on list in 2002. “I looked at my options,” he said. Meanwhile, Reinhart continues to work with “We are fortunate to be living in a time a gay dating website, or other personal acts; “I was almost 30, and the only branches that a local recruiter. “I want to re-enlist. I want to when this is happening,” he added. and some gays were pursued and persecuted would take me back [at my former rate, second have the opportunity to put the uniform back on Over the years, the now 80-year-old Darby, by commanders who decided their own inter- class petty officer, E-5] were the Navy and Coast in the reserves,” he said. “I fought a long time who served as an enlisted communications pretation of the policy. Guard.” for this and did not get paid for those trips to technician and held a top secret clearance, has The compromise policy has also been deemed Reinhart opted for the latter, hoping to get D.C. meeting with congressional leaders, telling been an ardent advocate of repealing “don’t by many to be a failure. Altogether, more than orders to Key West, Fla. Instead he was sent my story.” ask, don’t tell.” In 1991 he founded the Chi- 14,300 military personnel have been fired at back again to San Diego, this time for service ©2011 Chuck Colbert. All rights reserved. cago chapter of AVER then known as the Gay, an estimated overall taxpayer cost of $555 mil- on a Coast Guard ship but was discharged under Lesbian, and Bisexual Veterans of America. lion, according to 2010 report by the Williams “don’t ask, don’t tell” for being gay. Since then, Darby has served as president five Institute, a think tank at the UCLA School of How did Reinhart’s firing come about? “We times. Historic cover Law. Moreover, thousands of men and women took some female crew members out to a gay Heralding the upcoming dismissal of In 1993, when then-President Bill Clinton lost careers, the military lost people with valu- bar in Portland, Ore.,” he explained, referring to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the Marine Corps tired to lift the military’s ban on gay service, able skills, like Arabic linguists. Even Clinton a shipmate who was gay. “And they went back Times features on its cover a message Darby traveled to the nation’s capital five and former Secretary of Defense Colin Powell, and talked about the great night they had with from gay Marines their straight colleagues: times that year. At one White House sit-in who is also a former Joint Chiefs of Staff chair- Josh and Lee at the gay bar. That started an “We’re gay. Get over it.” demonstration, police carried him away. Darby man, said the law was a mistake. investigation.” remembers a police officer asking, “Are you go- Accordingly, Sept. 20 will be “a day of huge Reinhart’s executive officer “couldn’t believe ing to get up or are we going to have to pick celebration,” said SLDN’s Sarvis. “Once we get that I had such a positive experience in the you up?” beyond the long overdue celebration, I think Navy,” he said. “Oh, honey, you can pick me up anytime,” things will be different, but not that dramatic The Coast Guard pulled his top-secret clear- said Darby, recalling his reply. a change.” ance. After four years of service, which included “Some [gay troops] will come out in the During a seven-day transit to Hawaii “was the duty stateside and overseas, Darby received an first week or so and month. Others will think a first time I ever feared for my life,” Reinhart honorable discharge in 1956. Relying on the while about whether they want to come out or said. “I didn’t know what was happening. They GI Education Bill, he went on to earn a bach- not,” Sarvis added. “They will be free to come locked me up in medical because they thought I elor’s and master’s degree and taught English, out without fear of being fired. And that is would commit suicide, which I never was going Spanish, and French in the Chicago public what is important. Whether they elect to come to do.” schools for 30 years. out is their choice.” In Hawaii, however, military lawyers “were fu- While in the service, however, Darby was en- ©2011 Chuck Colbert. All rights reserved. rious over how the case was handled,” Reinhart couraged to make a career of the Navy. His said, telling him: “It was botched from day one.” WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 13 Product: LEARNING TO LOVE IT a LEARNING TO LOVE IT A Novel by Bill Leubrie GAYin thePlacement: Arts section, as near as possible to the book review, if there is one. Deputy chief of staff LIFESchedule: Weeks 2 and 4 TyJuan J. 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Amina Gautier The quote At Risk “I am a hopeless romantic. I love to love.” Cratic pictured 5233 N. Clark PR world with Ald. (773) 769-9299 Has been running a public Jason Ervin (left). relations firm since November, 2010, focusing on politics All-time favorite movies [email protected] Soldier’s Girl, The Candidate and www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Boy Culture Parking Available Wheelchair Accessible 14 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES be described as depressing. All but one of these one-on-one counseling sessions, I was grilled women had become celibate. I almost threw the about my life as a lesbian and it was said that I papers out the window, but with eternal damna- was a predator, seeking to lure young women into Ex this... tion hanging over my head I decided to give the my clutches so I could have my selfish way with VIEWPOINT by Kim Flowers program a try. One problem: I didn’t know what I them. was supposed to do. I e-mailed my accountability “As much as I wanted to get help, I knew that This article is an account of someone partner a couple times, and then she disappeared. my own nature was not predatory and that this who was forced to undergo the Exo- I e-mailed someone else in the program to ask kind of brain-washing was not ‘washing’ any- dus International “ex-gay” program what had happened, and was told she had fallen thing. I also realized that I would not be allowed at age 18 as well as that of a friend back into a relationship with another woman and to have a sense of humor. The group of women of hers who underwent a different that I would get a new accountability partner went to a card shop together and I picked one up program. soon. I never did get one. that had a cartoon picture of the backside of a By winter I realized if I went to the military donkey. When I opened it up, it said, ‘Nice ass!’ I As politicians speak out on whether they support I’d just get kicked out so I stayed in college. I laughed and showed it to one of the other women or condemn the ex-gay ministry in order to get informed my recruiter that I’d been put on medi- in the group, who also laughed. The next day I votes, those of us who have experienced this hor- cation and couldn’t go to boot camp. I continued was rebuked in my counseling session because ror should let others in on the details. When I was trying to change myself without knowing how. one of the women complained about me. She had 18 I attempted to go through the Exodus Inter- In February I told the campus counselor I’d been said that I used a greeting card to surreptitiously national program. The encounter didn’t last long, having suicidal thoughts, so he dropped me off make a pass at her. These kinds of things made me but it left burning scars. at a psych ward for a few days. I kept struggling realize that this environment was not healthy for I came out in 1999, the summer I graduated to conform, and I wasn’t the only one. A lesbian me. I wasn’t being cured of anything, just humili- high school. I’d grown up going to church and in the grade above me got expelled just before ated and mentally manipulated.” had kept my secret since I was 10. When my Ma- Spring Break for inappropriate conduct with an- Brent’s rehabilitation ended on his own terms: rine ship-out date was changed from October to other student. The other student had snitched “There was a pool in the back yard of the resi- March, I decided a semester of college would be and was given a warning, but her identity was dence where the women liked to swim and visit best because I needed to get out of town. I had not revealed. Several people suspected me, and I before turning in for the night. I sat beside the applied to one school: Kentucky Christian College announced that I wouldn’t have told on her if it pool one evening after everyone went inside and (now a University). I wanted to study religion and had been. evaluated my experience. I’d been so traumatized learn whether God and my sexuality were really at On summer vacation I did a lot of partying, but by my individual counseling sessions and with my odds with each other. I loved the place at first— I went back to school in the fall to try again. inability to have contact with the outside world it was like living at church camp. Then I made the I resumed weekly counseling sessions on cam- Kim Flowers (front) with wife Malissa Flowers or with anyone I knew and loved. The other wom- mistake of paying a visit to the campus counselor. pus and monthly psychiatric appointments. In and their son. Photo courtesy of Kim Flowers en in the program were in the same boat I was, “Where does it say in the Bible that homosexu- October I got caught writing a suicide note in but there was no chance for any camaraderie with ality is wrong?” I asked. “Because I’m a lesbian!” my dorm room. I tried to escape from my friends to be right with God. Brent explained the details them because of all the ridiculous rules and pro- Well, the counselor showed me the clobber pas- and kill myself, but they wouldn’t let me out of of the organization to me since my experience hibitions. sages right away. He told me that if I acted on their sight and called for help. (I’m still sorry with reparative therapy had been so confusing: I didn’t feel myself going straight or developing my homosexual impulses I would be expelled and about what I put them through.) After another “Love in Action is a residential twelve-step pro- a healthy relationship with God. The God I was that we should meet once a week. He asked how few days in a psych ward, the campus counselor gram that works on the same principles as Alco- getting to know here was fierce and judgmental; I felt about God. summoned me to his office, where I was asked to holics Anonymous. The idea is to admit we are disappointed with my entire life up to that point. “Sometimes I’m happy and believe in God, and withdraw from school to save myself the shame powerless over our homosexual desires and that I detested the church I was forced to go to and sometimes I’m mad and don’t think he exists,” I of being kicked out. He told me I was “a danger because of our sexual addiction our lives have I didn’t want to work at a strange place where answered. to myself and others” and a “liability”. And then spun out of control. I didn’t fit. I needed to leave and I didn’t want The counselor jumped to his bookshelf and my mom walked through the door! The counselor “We were told that our homosexual desires anyone to try to talk me out of it. pulled down a DSM-IV. He flipped through the had called her hours before and timed her ap- might never go away, but like alcoholics, the “I walked into the house, past the women who pages and told me he thought I had bipolar proximate arrival with our meeting. He had lied feelings could be controlled and overcome with were visiting in the living room before bed, and disorder. I reluctantly went to a psychiatrist at to her, claiming I wanted to go home. I returned prayer and determination to live the perfect plan into the bedroom that I shared with another resi- the counselor’s urging. Soon after, some people to Indiana after two weeks of unsuccessful lob- that God had for our lives. We also had counsel- dent. I got my car keys and wallet from my bed- from Exodus International came to the college bying to stay at school. When I eventually gave ing sessions with a staff member in order to dig side table and went back out to the pool. Some of and spoke about their organization. The campus up my efforts to turn straight and renounced all deeper into our pasts. We needed to acknowledge the women had seen me go out, so they followed counselor recommended I go through the program organized religion I knew happiness. The ex-gay all the pain we had caused our families, friends me. I sat down on one of the lawn chairs and online. ministry is a waste of time, and I’m not the only and fellow church members by living out our ho- visited half-heartedly for a while. When the other I consented and was assigned a female account- one who thinks so: mosexual hedonism with utter disregard for all women said they were going inside again, I said ability partner who was supposed to e-mail me Brent Walsh, 38, attended a program eight that our loved ones had done to try to keep us I wanted to just sit outside alone for a while. regularly and support my effort to turn straight. I years ago called Love in Action—a division of healthy and whole. After about five minutes, when I decided no one also received a packet in the mail containing the Exodus International. Brent is an FTM transgender “The men and women were separated into was looking, I opened the privacy fence gate and testimonies of 6 or 7 “ex-lesbians” which can only man who identified as lesbian during that time. two different houses and assigned two differ- slipped out to the street where my car waited. I Raised in the church, he felt he must turn straight ent churches. I didn’t completely understand the started it up and drove away. I never looked back. reasoning for this, since our attractions were to “For most things in my life, even negative, I members of the same sex. On a regular basis the can look back and see how they helped me grow. men and women would have their own group Bi- In most cases, I’d say that I wouldn’t change any- ble studies, and on occasion we would all have a thing because it’s made me who I am today. This joint gathering.” experience at Love in Action might be the closest Brent learned that many rules were set in place I come to an exception to that rule. I see the to discourage homosexual urges. Residents were damage it did to me personally and to my abil- not allowed to do anything considered gender- ity to trust God’s plan for my life. I have to say inappropriate. This included every aspect of life that it did make me a stronger person, but the from clothing to hobbies and, eventually, their credit can’t go to the program. The credit goes careers. Brent’s toolbox was confiscated and he to the strength it took to leave the program and was told to ask a man for help if his vehicle need- embark on a journey in the opposite direction. ed maintenance. His guitar was not permitted for That was where I found God and that was when fear he might seduce a housemate. No one was al- my relationship with God took a brand new turn. lowed to wear perfume, cologne, scented deodor- Maybe without the traumatic experience of LiA I ant or shampoo. Brent’s previous jobs had been wouldn’t have known that true peace and fulfill- as a correctional officer and a truck driver. These ment in God’s will for my life meant living authen- were considered too masculine by Love in Action, tically in my own skin.” and even Brent’s proposal to work as a dispatcher Brent’s faith is intact despite his experience; in the office of a trucking company was denied. the faith of my childhood is gone. In both cases, Residents were not allowed to view any media, the conversion program did not work at all. Per- and for a time could not even contact their fami- haps if more of us speak out we can silence those lies. As a final deterrent from impure thoughts, no who claim that conversion therapy is effective. one was allowed to be alone, with the exception Kim Flowers is a freelance writer from of a 15-minute shower. Fishers, Ind. To watch Brent speak about his Brent complied with all of this: “At first I felt a experience at Love in Action and his transi- certain amount of hope that this kind of intense tion, go to http://lifejourneychurch.cc/vid- program could help me go straight and develop eo/2010/2010-07-25/SupportingFiles/View- a closer relationship with God. I was willing to erWM64Lite.html. jump through all the hoops and follow all the People can also visit Brent’s and his wife rules if it would make me straight. But two weeks Julie Walsh’s web site at http://transforma- Left: Brent Walsh. Right: Brent Walsh, when he was known as Brenda and going through the Love into the program, I realized my hopes were built tionministry.org or find them on Facebook and In Action program. Both photos from Walsh on a shaky foundation. When I went through the Twitter. WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 15

A special series in partnership with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago Obama team works on AIDS strategy By Sarah Toce pull together 14 community discussions where we were able to actually get as much meaning- The White House released the National HIV/AIDS ful input on what people would like to see in Strategy (NHAS) on July 13, 2010 to address the a National HIV/AIDS Strategy as possible. And diverse growing needs of people with AIDS in we really wanted to make sure that there was the United States. Since the start of the HIV/ going to be geographic representation, and rep- AIDS epidemic, an estimated 575,000 Ameri- resentation of different epidemics. For example, cans have lost their lives to AIDS and more than in parts of New York City, it used to be primar- 56,000 people in the United States become in- ily an injection drug using epidemic. In Atlanta, fected with HIV each year. you have an epidemic primarily among African- President Barack Obama, together with the Of- Americans. In Los Angeles, you have an epi- fice of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), committed demic primarily among Latinos. In Minnesota, to developing NHAS with three major goals in you have an epidemic among immigrants, you mind: reducing HIV incidence, increasing access know, immigrants from various parts of Africa. to care and optimizing health outcomes, and re- And then in the Southwest, there are all sorts ducing HIV-related health disparities. of needs in terms of an epidemic among Native Senior Policy Advisor at ONAP, Greg Millett, Americans. And then on the West Coast and San took a few moments to chat with Windy City Francisco, there is an epidemic among gay and Times about NHAS and ONAP while in Washing- bisexual men. ton, D.C. Jeffrey S. Crowley, director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, meets with President Obama. We didn’t only want the regional diversity, but Windy City Times: There are an estimated Courtesy of Greg Millett we also wanted to get the diversity of the vari- 56,000 new HIV infections in the United ous epidemics that are taking place in the Unit- States each year. What provisions does the ed with HIV. But we really haven’t slowed down important. People living with HIV are likely to ed States, and to hear the voices of people who Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) seek to and taken a collective deep breath to evaluate, be underinsured, or to have no insurance, com- are representing each one of those epidemics. implement to prevent the number from rising “Okay, among all of these tools that we have, pared to other populations. And some of that is And we also wanted to hear, just as importantly, even more in the next five years? what actually works in preventing HIV?” And due to pre-existing conditions that we have with epidemics that are taking place in rural areas of Greg Millett: That’s a good question. You know that is something that we tried to do with the insurance companies. And what the ACA health- the United States, as well as urban areas, and ... you’re correct that there are about 56,000, National HIV/AIDS Strategy, by taking a look at care reform law will do, or already has done, is epidemics that are taking place in the South, as or 50,000 or so, new cases that take place each all the accumulated scientific evidence, and say- that it’s really prevented insurance companies well as other different parts of the U.S. Because year, per CDC’s estimates, and CDC’s going to be ing, “Well, this part of our prevention response from preventing those who are the sickest of usually, you might find some things that might coming out with newer estimates a little later are things that we know work at preventing new the sick from getting insurance. So now, people be taking place a little bit different. And we did. this year. In terms of trying to prevent the num- infections.” And then there are other things that living with HIV can get insurance, whereas be- There were some places where, you know, liv- ber of infections from rising, you know, a lot of we’re doing that don’t work. And if they don’t forehand they would have been prevented from ing with HIV wasn’t as heavily stigmatized, and it is, actually, if we just keep the status quo, the work, why, in a resource-limited environment, doing so because of pre-existing conditions. people were very eager to come out about their number of infections is pretty much going to are we spending time on those interventions, The other thing that’s very important in terms HIV status in front of us, in front of hundreds stay the same, because they’ve been staying the when we could actually be placing that money of the healthcare reform law is the fact that it of people during these community discussions. same for the last 10 years, but where they might in those things that do work? expands the number of people living with HIV And then we would go to other places where HIV rise, though, it won’t be in the next five years, And then the last thing that we were looking who do not have resources who have the ability was incredibly stigmatized, and no one would but perhaps in the next 10 years, is the fact at in terms of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy to enroll to receive care. So previously, people ever mention that they were HIV-positive, even that there are more people who are living with to prevent the number of infections from rising, who had very low resources would be able to use though we knew that there were people living HIV because there’s more effective medications. is that for those things that work, we wanted the Ryan White Care Act (Ryan White), which with HIV in the room. So, you know, that in and People are living longer, and they’re living more to make sure that there’s actually a population- was really the care of last resort. But there of itself told us a lot about some of the regional productive lives. Though, with more people liv- level effect. So there are some things that work, were still individuals who were not necessarily differences that are taking place in the U.S. But ing with HIV, it also means that there are more but the effect is really just preventing HIV getting the care that they needed who might the thing that was amazing about the commu- opportunities for HIV transmission. So there’ve among one individual. And then there are other have been marginally above the requirements, nity discussions is that, even though we went been other individuals at CDC and others who’ve things that work, but the effect is preventing income requirements, for Ryan White. What the to different places, we heard a lot of the same been modeling out that over the next 10 years HIV among multiple individuals or even a larger new Medicaid law does is that it dramatically themes across each one of these different com- and longer, that if things remain the status quo, population. And what we’re looking for is the expands the number of low-income individuals munities and different regions. And that really it means that we’re going to see a rise in new small number of things that we can do that work who will be able to access care, by actually go- helped us in pulling together the National HIV/ infections, something we haven’t seen over the in populations at highest risk for HIV, but would ing beyond the income requirements where they AIDS Strategy. past 10 years. produce mass effect, and not just in preventing currently are. And we know, as I mentioned be- And for those regions that we weren’t able to WCT: How does the organization seek to one infection. Preventing one infection is im- forehand, getting all those individuals into care get to, we actually hosted a place on the White minimize the potential rise in infections? portant. That’s something that is laudable. But not only has meaningful outcomes for their House website, where people could submit to us GM: In order to really try to minimize that, that’s not going to meaningfully impact the epi- quality of life, but also outcomes in terms of their recommendations to add to the National what ONAP has proposed in the National HIV/ demic. We need to prevent multiple infections reducing the possibility of infection to others. HIV/AIDS Strategy. And even when we looked at AIDS Strategy, is to do several things that we in a population. So that’s a third thing we’re WCT: ONAP hosted 14 HIV/AIDS community those recommendations, we saw a lot of strik- haven’t necessarily always done in our preven- looking for it to do. discussions throughout the United States be- ing similarities with many of the things that tion response. One of them is to target the WCT: The National HIV/AIDS Strategy ginning in 2009. How were those initial 14 we heard while we were on the road during the populations at greatest risk for HIV infection. (NHAS) has three major goals in place: reduc- cities chosen (for instance, we notice that At- community discussions. And we ended up pub- Over the last 30 years, we have done a good ing HIV incidence, increasing access to care lanta, Los Angeles and New York were cities lishing all of this in a report, summarizing what job, but not necessarily the best job. In some and optimizing health outcomes, and reduc- visited but Seattle and Chicago were not)? we’ve heard, in April of last year. ways, we democratized risk for HIV, and we know ing HIV-related health disparities. How will GM: One thing that became very clear when WCT: When Ryan White was diagnosed with that not everybody is at equal risk of becoming the new healthcare law affect these three ma- Jeffrey S. Crowley, Director of the Office of Na- AIDS at age 13, his family turned to the CDC HIV-positive in the U.S. and men who have sex jor outlined initiatives? tional AIDS Policy, came into office was that for guidance during multiple court trials be- with men, African-Americans, Latinos, and drug GM: Honestly, I think it will affect it in dra- there seemed to be this recognition from the do- cause so little was known about the disease users are more likely to become infected. But matic ways. One thing that’s become very clear mestic HIV community that their voices needed at that time in 1984. Is the CDC still intri- we haven’t always prioritized those populations. in the HIV/AIDS world, particularly over the last to be heard. They felt in some ways that their cately involved in court battles surrounding And without doing that, it’s made it easier for us year, year and a half, is that HIV care is also HIV voices hadn’t been heard in some of the pre- AIDS or has that become less the case with to lose focus in terms of the epidemic, and for prevention. So, when people who are living with ceding years, where the focus really went from more studies being released over time sur- some of the infections and epidemics that are HIV are in care and they have access to medica- domestic HIV to international HIV. And it was rounding the disease? taking place in those populations to continue. tions that improve their health outcomes, those important to work on international HIV, because GM: You know, I’m not aware of CDC being Another thing we haven’t done is that we medications also make them 92% less likely to there’s a lot of need that’s there, and there have involved in any court cases dealing with HIV, haven’t really utilized those interventions that transmit HIV to someone who is uninfected dur- been some fantastic things that have taken though CDC of course is still heavily involved we know work. In many ways, there’s been an ing unprotected sex. That’s huge. Care is preven- place, but there were some people who were af- in really trying to make sure that the American emergency response to the HIV epidemic from tion. fected domestically who believed that in some public is educated about HIV. Which is extremely the ’80s, where we’re really trying to do every- And in terms of people living with HIV, what ways their needs were ignored or their voices important because there are actually data com thing possible to minimize the number of infec- the new healthcare reform law will do, the ACA weren’t heard. tions and to take care of people who are infect- will do, is quite a few things that are incredibly So what was very clear was that we wanted to Turn to pg. 16 16 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

OBAMA TEAM from page 15 because the number of men who are becom- that homelessness is associated with all sorts istration, making sure that we could get people ing infected is astronomical. Gay men are 40 of behaviors that can lead to HIV infection. So who are living with HIV to travel to the U.S. ing out from the Kaiser Family Foundation, they times more likely to become infected with HIV the list of issues is just endless in terms of why without being harassed, or even being able to ask a question every year from the very begin- than heterosexuals in this country. They rep- we’re seeing a rise in infections among gay men. live here in the U.S. It’s beyond my purview. ning of the epidemic until the last few years, resent most new infections each year, 57% of But what’s clear is that gay men represent most WCT: Children and young adults learn about asking people how HIV is transmitted. And one the new infections each year. And they’re the of the U.S. epidemic, and unless we put a curb slavery and civil-rights movements that have of the striking things was that about a third of leading group affected by HIV across each racial on the epidemic among gay men, we will always occurred in world history but they do not hear Americans in 1987 thought that HIV was trans- and ethnic community. So whether it’s among have an epidemic in the U.S. So we have to get about the early days of HIV/AIDS in their mitted through a mosquito, through swimming whites, African-Americans, or Latinos, the group finally serious about dealing with the epidemic health classes or become educated in pub- in a pool, through sharing a glass with someone where you find the most infections is among gay among gay men. lic schools about gay civil rights. Does ONAP who’s HIV-positive, or even from a toilet seat. men. WCT: In many cultures and religions, dis- seek to provide legislation in the future to And the sad thing about that is that, when they And then, worse still, although HIV infections cussing sexuality and sexually transmitted change this fact and teach gay history and looked at that poll again from 2009, they found have been declining among injection drug users, diseases are taboo and have been for centu- HIV/AIDS history in the U.S. school system? that that statistic actually hadn’t changed. It and staying the same among heterosexuals in ries. In your opinion, has this hindered the GM: I think that actually what we have as part was still about 30% of Americans who believe the United States, new infections are actually administration’s efforts to provide education of the Strategy is to really make sure that we that. So there’s still a lot of work that we have increasing among gay men. So they’re the only of the disease over time? have comprehensive, age-appropriate sex educa- to do in terms of really clarifying how HIV is and group in the U.S. where new infections are actu- GM: No, I don’t think it’s hindered this ad- tion, which definitely includes teaching sexu- is not transmitted among the American public. ally increasing. So there are other groups that ministration’s efforts. I can’t speak for past ad- ality. And that is something that we’d like to But in terms of some of the discrimination are becoming infected with HIV, absolutely, and ministrations, but through this administration, do. The hard part about that, though, is that cases [such as in the case of Ryan White], we have to do as much as possible for those you know, for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, the executive branch can’t require states to do there’s certainly a lot of efforts that are tak- groups. And in some places we had some great there’s actually a bit in there about encouraging these things. That’s something that has to come ing place within the Department of Justice, the successes, like reducing the number of infec- states to adopt comprehensive, age-appropriate through legislation and something that needs EEOC and the Department of Labor working on tions among injection drug users by 80% since sex education for youth. Which is extremely to take place through Congress. But the White job discrimination cases for people living with the ’90s, or even reducing dramatically the num- important, and especially for gay and lesbian House can put these issues on the radar, which HIV. The Department of Justice is working with ber of children who are born with HIV. But we youth, as well as youth of color, because women they have done with the Strategy, signaling HIV-positive prisoners who were wrongly segre- haven’t done a great job in reducing the number of color are also becoming infected with HIV. some of the things that we think are priorities, gated in a few state prisons and actually win- of infections among gay men, where the number I think that there’s really been a strong record or that they think are priorities, and then from ning the cases. We’re working on nursing home of infections unfortunately is still increasing. of discussing sexuality within this administra- there, really hope that Congress is able to take discrimination for elderly people living with HIV WCT: Now that we have these drugs that tion. Frankly, I’ve never seen a White House as up the mantle and move forward with that. and really battling some of those cases and win- WCT: Straight women and lesbians held a ning those cases, so there’s a lot that’s still tak- very pivotal role in the ’80s when they helped ing place. It doesn’t mean that discrimination during the height of the AIDS crisis. Why, in is no longer with us; it is. But it’s going to see “One of the most significant … was actually seeing your opinion, is so little known about this a more ... a broader response from other fed- the White House seal on a document that talks about time in history? eral agencies, such as Department of Justice and GM: People do talk about it, but where I EEOC and Department of Labor, who are really transgender individuals, who are at disproportionate haven’t seen as much of it told was in some of actively working on these cases. And the other risk associated with HIV, as mentioned in the [National the documentaries involving HIV. There’s a fan- thing that’s changed, too, since the days of tastic new documentary that won a lot of ac- Ryan White is that we have the Americans with AIDS] Strategy. I had never seen another administration colades at the Tribeca Film Festival, and is being Disabilities Act, which we celebrated having for ever talk about transgender communities, who have been shown in different places. It’s called We Were the past 20 years just last year, which of course Here, by David Weissman. It talks about the epi- includes people living with HIV. And having HIV just virtually invisible, even though we know that they’re demic among gay men in San Francisco. And it’s is a disability, so we are covered under that act part of the landscape of the epidemic. So it’s wonderful just an incredibly moving documentary about as well. to see this administration just being as straightforward what took place during the early years of the WCT: Where does ONAP see the future of epidemic there, and the number of individuals the Ryan White Care Act and has it become and frank and fact-based about who’s becoming infected who lost their lives, who lost partners, and just increasingly more beneficial with the recent with HIV, and then also taking the same approach to how decimated the community was. rising numbers of infections? But another part of it was just how incredible GM: I think that ONAP is very clear that Ryan make sure that we actually address HIV within these the community response was, and the documen- White will always have a future. We’re going to populations.” tary spends quite a bit of time talking about need Ryan White. As incredible as the health- — Greg Millett lesbian women and straight women. In fact, care reform law is, there still may be some gaps one of the main interviews is a straight woman in serving people living with HIV, and I know who tended to gay men in the San Francisco ... that ONAP and others are encouraging the com- one of the wards for San Francisco General, the munity to start thinking about, well, what will AIDS unit. And it finds this incredibly moving Ryan White become in the future, for some of help sustain lives, we can last longer, we can straightforward and as grounded in science as account—I mean, honestly, there’s not a dry those gaps that there might be in the healthcare live longer if you do end up having HIV and the current administration. And there are many eye left in the room when they talk about the reform law for people living with HIV. ONAP has AIDS. So I’m wondering if maybe just that achievements in the Strategy that really point response of lesbians and young heterosexual been very clear that there’s certainly going to knowledge of, “Oh, if I get it, there’s a pill,” to that. Honestly, one of the most significant to women, for taking care of these young gay men, be a future for Ryan White. The only question is, or something. Do you think that has some- me, and one of the ones I felt the most proud especially when their families had turned their what exactly will that future be? thing to do with the rise among gay men? of, was actually seeing the White House seal on backs on them. WCT: Do you feel that Ryan White’s case GM: Absolutely. I mean, some of it is the pill, a document that talks about transgender indi- So I really hope that you and others are able was one of the turning points from it being and people knowing that this is a chronic infec- viduals, who are at disproportionate risk associ- to take a look at this documentary, because it’s considered a gay disease in the HIV/AIDS epi- tion now, it’s not a death sentence. A lot of it, ated with HIV, as mentioned in the Strategy. I just so fantastic, and really, in many ways, shows demic? too, I think is also chronic under-funding for had never seen another administration ever talk what took place, the devastation, but also just GM: Oh, absolutely. I think, you know, there gay men’s programs. You know, CDC, the Depart- about transgender communities, who have been this incredible rallying and community response. were a couple of turning points: what was tak- ment of Health and Human Services, and others just virtually invisible, even though we know And I mean community not just in terms of the ing place with Ryan White, the way that Haitian have looked at the types of programs that are that they’re part of the landscape of the epi- GLBT community, but people who really cared, immigrants were stigmatized about having HIV, being funded for these populations. And even demic. So it’s wonderful to see this administra- the communities that were just there. And it and people realizing it’s not just gay men who though gay men are at a higher risk, you find tion just being as straightforward and frank and shows what took place in San Francisco, but are becoming infected, but one of the biggest that they’re under-funded in a lot of prevention fact-based about who’s becoming infected with knowing that a lot of this took place in many things as well was the expanded definition of programs, which certainly has ramifications. HIV, and then also taking the same approach to different places across the United States. I’m HIV and AIDS that took place in the late ’80s There are a lot of issues in terms of education make sure that we actually address HIV within hoping that people are able to see the docu- and early ’90s to include critical manifestations and youth, with young gay men, and particularly these populations. mentary. that only occur among women. Up until that young gay men of color. They are not necessar- WCT: Gay men have been banned from do- In addition to his work at ONAP, Greg Mil- point, people didn’t realize what the symptoms ily receiving the prevention messages that they nating blood in the United States since 1983. lett is also a detailee from the U.S. Centers were necessarily for women who are infected need. The prevention messages are going to Do you foresee this ban being overturned in for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). with HIV. So that did quite a bit to really help other communities that are at comparably lower the near future? Prior to his position with ONAP, Millett was broaden the epidemic and what was taking place risk than these young gay men. There are issues GM: I don’t know, because I don’t work with a Senior Behavioral Scientist in the Division in the United States. of homophobia, and the fact that some of these the part of the administration that’s working on of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP) at CDC in At- But that said, in many ways, unfortunately, men, when they’re coming out, are kicked out this. I did work with the group that was over- lanta. the epidemic is still a gay disease in the U.S. of their homes by their families. And we know turning the HIV travel ban as part of the admin- WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 17

Dr. Phair: A warrior fighting HIV/AIDS By Tully Satre Initially, Phair helped carry out a small study AIDS Clinical Trials Group, a network of more and survived those early days are older and the at the Howard Brown Health Center (then known than 30 universities, which was established by younger men [today] don’t have that experi- In the field of HIV/AIDS, Chicago-based Dr. John as Howard Brown Memorial Clinic), which did the NIH. The Chicago Adult AIDS Clinical Trials ence. They’re not seeing their friends die, so Phair is a familiar name. not yield substantial results. However, it lead Unit was established on the horizon of success- they sometimes don’t buy into the message of He spearheaded research with the National to an application to the National Institute of ful treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS. the necessity of safe-sex and safe behaviors Institute of Health/National Institute of Al- Health, and in 1983, with Dr. Ostrow spearhead- The introduction of AZT to the pharmaceutical in general. They also think the drugs [used to lergy and Infectious Diseases’ Multicenter AIDS ing the move, the NIH started the Multicenter market was a breakthrough, “but not perfect,” treat HIV] solve things … and people get tired Cohort Study (MACS) in 1983. MACS provided AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Dr. Phair was ap- Phair emphasized. of being careful. There has been some slippage groundbreaking contributions to understand- pointed principal investigator of the Chicago AZT alone did not make much of an impact of safe behavior. I think we still have a great ing HIV/AIDS through studying the natural and part of the study, which worked in collaboration and it often came with many side effects. It was number of people with new infections who are treated history of the HIV infection. with other researchers and investigators around not until 1995 that new drugs were introduced, gay men.” He applied for and received funding from the the country. which combined with existing drugs at the time After 30 years, the response to the disease NIAID to establish the Chicago Adult AIDS Clini- “AIDS was basically a change in the whole provided a treatment that controlled the virus, once dubbed “gay cancer” has seen great prog- cal Trials Unit in 1987. Phair served as the Chair focus of infectious disease,” Phair said, recall- if taken religiously. ress due to the efforts of people such as Dr. of the Executive Committee of the Adult AIDS ing the shift in thought that AIDS had on the “The initial cocktails were very difficult to Phair. But the responsibility for the disease has Clinical Trials Group, overseeing the scientific, medical field. “Before [HIV/AIDS] we had been take,” said Phair. “Drugs today are better, with shifted on a different generation. administrative, and fiscal decisions of the net- consultants; we saw patients and we would less side effects. And they’re easier to take: one Demonstrating numerous accomplishments work during the early stages of therapy. recommend therapy and they would get better. pill, once a day as opposed to the 15 to 20 pills and contributions to HIV/AIDS research, Phair He was the Chair for the AIDS Research Ad- Now we became the primary care physicians for a day in 1995.” officially stepped down in 2000 as head of the visory Committee for the NIAID from 2000 to a group of people who we could not really do But even the safer drugs still have side ef- Division of Infectious Disease, and the Samuel 2002. anything for.” fects, Phair warns. As HIV infections continue J. Sackett Laboratories at the Feinberg School of In 2005, Phair was honored by the American “We had to care for people, rather than treat to rise, particularly among a young MSM (men- Medicine at Northwestern University. Dr. Phair College of Physicians with the John Phillips people,” said Phair. “It was a shock in the 1980s who-have-sex-with-men) demographic, Phair continues to work with MACS, but no longer Memorial Award for Outstanding Work in Clini- not to be able to do something for somebody … stressed the importance of being safe. “Even takes responsibility for the treatment center. cal Medicine. It was certainly not the first time it was a very tough time.” Phair said that most though life expectancy is closer to what you’d Still active today, MACS, which moved to North- Phair was recognized for his extraordinary im- patients with AIDS at Northwestern were gay expect if you weren’t infected … life is still western after funding controversies at Howard pact on HIV/AIDS treatment and research, and would surely not be the last. In the Spring of 2010 Phair became the first recipient of the In- ternational AIDS Society–USA Lifetime Leader- ship Award. “My interests were focused mainly on compli- cations of HIV infection,” said Phair about when he first became involved in treating HIV/AIDS patients. “When HIV infects and you can’t treat it, it destroys the ability of the body to resists other infections.” Much of Phair’s work was not directly with the virus, but with the complications that resulted from infection. After graduating from Yale University, Phair attended medical school in his hometown at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Upon completing his studies in 1960, Phair re- turned to Connecticut to do his residency at the Yale New Haven Hospital where he first began training in internal medicine and infectious dis- ease. “This was a part of medicine in which we had treatment,” Phair explained of the work he start- ed during his residency. “So people basically did well. We could manage to make people better.” In 1967, he joined the faculty at the Univer- sity of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where he remained for just under a decade before accept- ing the position of Chair of the Division of In- fectious Disease and Director of the Samuel J. Sackett Laboratories at the Fineberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. “My research prior to my involvement with HIV was focused upon the immunology of infec- tions,” Phair said. “David Ostrow [who helped form the Howard Brown Health Center] ap- Dr. John Phair in 1988. Photo by Bill Burks for Outlines newspaper proached me and asked whether I knew anything about this disease that was killing gay men. I men. “All of us were impressed by their grace, shortened a little bit,” said Phair. Additionally Brown Health Center in 2010 (HBHC is now a had seen a couple of cases at Northwestern, but and courage,” Phair said of his early patients, there are several complications that result from subcontractor), is the longest running study of because of my immunology research, I was inter- “and altruism … wanting to participate in re- side effects of drugs used today to treat HIV in- people living with HIV/AIDS. With nearly 7,000 ested.” search to respond to this epidemic.” cluding heart, kidney and liver diseases. “While initial participants, MACS studied the long-term Before encountering HIV/AIDS, most of the For the first six to seven years, there was very the drugs suppress the virus,” Phair explained, effects of HIV and treatment in gay men. As of infectious diseases Phair worked with were eas- little that could be done to help patients with “some of the deleterious effects of HIV infec- 2009, the study enrolled just above 2,500 par- ily treated with antibiotics or other medicines. AIDS. “All we could really do was hold their tion continue [and] chronic infection can lead ticipants, with several of the participants having “AIDS came along and it became apparent that hand,” said Phair. to complications.” passed away from AIDS-related illnesses, or hav- there was no longer treatment,” Phair recalled. In 1987, Dr. Phair applied for funding from Recent studies across the board have contin- ing dropped out altogether. “In that period because of fear and the novelty the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious ued to show a dramatic increase in HIV infec- MACS boasts a number of contributions to of [HIV/AIDS], infectious diseases at North- Diseases (a division of the NIH) to open a cen- tions for men who have sex with men, particu- the fight against HIV/AIDS including more than western became the group who managed pa- ter for experimental treatment in Chicago. The larly among men their 20s. “I think in the ’80s 1100 peer reviewed publications, which have tients who came to Northwestern with what we center was setup at Northwestern in relationship when men saw their friends dying it made an greatly increased awareness and understanding came to know as AIDS.” with Rush Medical and was a part of the larger impact,” Phair said. “The men who were alive of HIV/AIDS. 18 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

Jim Sullivan: From med student to HIV/AIDS specialist By Ross Forman

In 1987, as a 23-year-old medical student at the University of Michigan, openly gay Jim Sullivan already knew that he wanted to do HIV work. It was easy to identify with the patients, most of whom were young gay men, and the experience resonated with his coming-out process. “When I was in the closet at [age] 19, I thought mostly of escape … of maybe going into the priesthood, or of running off to Cali- fornia where my family wouldn’t see who I was,” Jim Sullivan in 2011. Sullivan said. “By the time I was 23, I knew that there was no such thing as escape, and that agement,” Sullivan said. there didn’t need to be. I could be myself, and His role now is purely clinical. still have a good, meaningful life. As horribly “There’s no question that the therapies [for afraid as I was of HIV as it unfolded around me, treating HIV/AIDS patients] are much, much I knew that facing it head-on all day was the more effective. Over the past 10 years or so, answer.” it has mostly been about refining them, about Though the disease was exploding in New finding out which are the least toxic,” Sullivan York, California and elsewhere, there were only a said. “Most people diagnosed today easily can limited number of cases in Michigan at the time. live 20 years or more on the medicines now So, as a senior, Sullivan went west, to work an available. It’s so much better than medicines elective rotation at San Francisco General Hos- of years ago. And, it is utterly foolish to avoid pital. Jim writes: This is me at 23, standing on a hill at 28th and Castro, with my friend Dan Berkowitz. testing and not know you have it, if you have “It was incredible, emotional and very in- He took me in to stay at his place when I was doing my rotation at San Francisco General Hos- it. Young men who wait too long still die … and tense,” Sullivan said. “When I came back [to the pital. I didn’t know anyone there. He and his boyfriend came to the Ward 87 clinic because they that just should not happen any more.” Midwest] from San Francisco, I knew that this were worried. But they didn’t want to get tested because there was nothing that could be done. But still advances need to be made, he added. path would be right for me for the rest of my Dan remains one of my best friends, and is well. Dan and Danilo had a commitment ceremony “I think there are still some questions open life.” at 10 years, then soon after Danilo died a horrible death from AIDS in 1995 (aspergillus in his about what to do for patients with a very high, During the day in San Francisco, he saw young sinuses ate into the base of his brain … it was painful and gruesome and it still makes me cry). stable T-cell count, and those low viral load men dying horribly, by the dozens, “and the best patients,” he said. “Also, one of the biggest we could do was give them another year or two.” cle,” he said. “All of a sudden, these people who when one of our patients is admitted to the hos- problems is keeping people on medicines and Sullivan also found a freedom in San Fran- should have been dead, well, they were alive. It pital [due to HIV/AIDS], the doctor who knew keeping them adherent to the medicines.” Many cisco, and friends, and role models … and “a was an incredible thing to see. So much hope, him in the office goes to see him in the hospital. change providers and change locations of care, calling” to the field of HIV medicine, he said. [things were] so much better. I remember that That has become very rare as clinics grow larger, thus, many end up off their treatment. “I was very afraid that I would catch HIV my- time very well.” and as hospitalists stand in for the outpatient “The most common reason people stop their self … hey, I was gay and 23. I knew the sta- Sullivan now does HIV/AIDS work from four- doctors who knew the patients as people before medicine is: they lose their job, lose their insur- tistics,” said Sullivan, who went out to bars in to seven-hours per day, every day, often more. they got so sick,” Sullivan said. ance, and some cannot figure out what to do, so Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to gay student group Most of the work is done at a private practice Now 48 and living in Chicago’s Lakeview they fall out of care. Frankly, the whole system is activities at Michigan. “As I dated and accumu- where, four days a week, he treats 300 to 350 neighborhood, Sullivan is the Director of La- sick. There are so many programs to keep people lated [gay] friends, I always kept in my mind a patients. He also spends a half day per week at boure HIV Clinic at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He on track, and yet, so many go off track every sense that something awful was enveloping us.” Laboure Clinic, which serves indigent patients has been working in the HIV/AIDS world for year. None of his friends during those years knew at St Joseph Hospital. There, he mentors medi- about 25 years. He performed research while he “Another really exciting thing [over] the last they had HIV/AIDS, but within a few years after cal students and residents while seeing the pa- trained at Rush, and worked on studies at UIC two years has been the dawning realization that leaving medical school, “the calls began com- tients. and through the CPCRA at St Joseph. treatment is prevention. Undetectable patients ing,” Sullivan recalled. “One of the things I really like about my cur- “I am very proud to say that I enrolled several basically don’t transmit. If we could find every- First was a fraternity brother, who was dead rent practice, where there are five doctors in my patients in the SMART study, which was such a one with HIV and successfully treat them soon at 24. Then an ex-boyfriend. Then a close bar- group, is … we have stuck to a policy where, turning point in our understanding of HIV man- after they catch it, the epidemic would stop hopping buddy. claiming new people. That’s a big IF, though.” “The scope of the problem was under-estimat- Despite the medical advances that continue, ed in the early-1980s by the people who were Sullivan is not convinced medical marvels will at-risk of contracting it,” Sullivan said. “I guess ever find a cure for HIV/AIDS. that hasn’t changed much, has it?” “I know that everyone hopes for a cure, but I As a medical student, Sullivan got his first don’t think there will be a cure at all,” he said. true, up-close exposure to the disease—through “After all these years and all we know, I don’t his patients. Longer term follow-up of patients think that we’ll ever be able to cure people.” began in 1992, when he returned to Rush Medi- It’s frustrating, yes, Sullivan said, but not the cal Center in Chicago to start his infectious end of the world, so to speak. disease fellowship. “Those were grim years, the “Your future can be bright, but with HIV, it patients died … in crops,” he said. “They were is still always there, absolutely,” he said. “Sure, so sick. They would hobble along, accumulating you may be doing wonderfully and have an un- complication after complication, as their last detectable viral load and be taking your pills. few T cells evaporated.” But stop your pills and you’ll lose all that. It’s In 1996, Sullivan left his initial post at Uni- different from other diseases in that … you’re versity of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, and never really free of it. entered clinical practice at St. Joseph Hospital “But we do have a really good solution for al- in Lakeview. That’s where he began developing most everyone now. Patients now will, or can, relationships with patients that have endured live for a long time. But, they will have to see in many cases to this day. And 1996 also was the doctor four- to six-times annually, and take the year that protease inhibitors came into use, pills daily, for the rest of their life. If they can allowing for three-drug highly active regimens become the master of that [regimen], then they which could fully suppress HIV to undetectable can pretty much live a normal life.” levels. Jim is pictured with his partner Kyron McAllister. They met 18 years ago and have lived together “That was a momentous change, such a mira- for 16 years. Images courtesy of Jim Sullivan WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 19

Dance For Life sparks reflections on HIV anniversary By A Chicagoan living with HIV I have always tried to take good care of my as I take my $50-a-day pill to keep the virus sionate persons are those that know how to body through a healthy diet, sufficient exercise undetectable in my blood stream. suffer with others. The very word compassion The writer, who chooses to be anonymous, is a and adequate sleep. During the past year this In a year’s time I have learned how to accept comes from the Latin words to “suffer” (passus) staff member at a Chicago-area AIDS housing approach to taking care of my body took spe- that I am HIV positive and to see opportunities and “with” (cum). agency. He is a Hispanic male in his 50s and en- cial significance. The medications and treatment for growth as a person, especially in hospitality My spiritual faith has allowed and supported joys the movies, time with friends, and politics. cannot on their own keep me healthy as my body and compassion. me to suffer with others in my life over the This item was originally published on the Chicago fights the virus on a daily basis. And so this I have worked for a number of years in the years. But now that the virus lives within me, I gay men’s health blog LifeLube. week I am also grateful for the opportunities field that fights against AIDS and supports those can accompany those infected by HIV/AIDS in a I have to keep my body fit and healthy. I have living with the virus. But nowadays I have much much stronger and closer way. I have and I am This last week in August marked the one-year access to a gym, nutritious food, and a decent more solidarity in heart and mind with them. I dealing with the fear, the anxiety, and the wor- anniversary of my infection with HIV. I have and safe house where I can rest and take care of am one of them and with them today. ries that this virus could one day compromise given some thought and prayer on how I should myself. I have them because I have a good job I have always tried to practice hospitality and my immune system that keeps us humans alive mark this anniversary. that allows me such opportunities. compassion because of my spiritual faith. When and healthy. But I also share much more closely Should I even celebrate the anniversary? But again anger flares up in my heart and gut persons are hospitable, they “make room” in the hope and the dreams with other persons liv- Should I not think the marking of it as a cel- when I consider the many who do not have these their lives for others. And there are so many ways ing with HIV/AIDS. Nowadays we may be able to ebration at all—especially since it includes feel- opportunities today, especially a home or a job to do so with persons living with the virus: by live until an old age and enjoy life to its fullest. ings of sadness, loss, anger, but then there are that allows them to take care of themselves and sharing our resources for the fight against AIDS After the one year, I am all the more compas- also feelings of much gratitude and hope … ? their chronic illnesses. As the rich keep getting like so many did last night at the 2011 Dance sionate since I can suffer and hope much more Should I celebrate alone or with others? richer in our nation and the poor and middle for Life event; or supporting directly infected closely with my fellow HIV-positive life travel- I attended the 20th Anniversary Performance class lose more and more income on a yearly ba- individuals and families with much personal care ers. of Chicago’s “Dance for Life” event. It was a sis, homes and jobs seem to become much less and love; or not judging or stigmatizing them Maybe one day before I die, the virus will beautiful and powerful performance by commit- available to many among us. out of ignorance; or by working actively and po- leave my body through some type of cure. But ted artists and dancers who believe in and sup- Finally, should I celebrate the experience that litically for the resources and opportunities sick until it does, I am learning to live with it. It is port our fight to end AIDS. As the celebration I nowadays have of having somewhat befriended people need to remain healthy. an unwelcome friend. But it is a friend since it is began, the CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chi- the virus that lives within my body? I wish with I have always tried to practice hospitality in making me a more hospitable and compassion- cago announced that it was not only the 20th all my heart it did not live there or in the bodies my life; but now that the virus lives within me, ate person in this life. anniversary of the “Dance for Life,” but also the of any human being in this world. Yet it is there. I am all the more committed to “making room” I guess I can celebrate the one-year anniver- six-month anniversary of his becoming the CEO And until researchers find the cure for HIV/AIDS, in my life for those who travel through this life sary of my infection. and more importantly the 17th year of his being it will continue to be an intimate part of my with the virus in their bodies. infected and living with the virus. People ap- body and life. I am reminded of that every day I learned a long time ago that truly compas- plauded wildly after he announced the 20th year for the event; but it came obvious that many did not know how to respond to the announcement of the anniversary of his infection 17 years ago. A few in the large audience applauded but many remained silent with most of them, I am sure, pondering how to respond to such an announce- ment—the anniversary of someone’s infection with HIV/AIDS. How should I mark MY one-year anniversary and should I identify it as a celebration? Should I mark it alone or with others, at least with one or two who know and offer me much support in my life with HIV? As I lay awake on my bed at 4 a.m. Sunday morning, those questions entered the deeper part of my heart, mind and spirit. I certainly experience much, much gratitude for the medication and medical attention I have been able to receive over the past year. I take daily medication that is keeping my viral load undetectable and CD4 count at a very normal and healthy level. It is very expensive medica- tion and medical treatment, yet my work health insurance plan makes it possible. I am also es- pecially grateful that our health insurance com- panies in this country can no longer deny me coverage for having a “pre-existing” illness in case I were to switch employment. The gratitude, however, is mixed with much sorrow, sadness and often anger since there are so many of my fellow life travelers living with HIV/AIDS who do not have this access to medi- cation and healthcare. In our country, which is the wealthiest in the world, many go without medications or easy access to care, and in the world many are still dying of a disease that is no longer fatal if one is provided with medications and medical attention. My anger especially flares up when I hear so many people, mostly out of ignorance and close- mindedness, oppose expanding health insurance for infected individuals living with the virus (and all others who need it) through our recent- Image from the 2011 20th anniversary Dance ly adopted healthcare reform. I am glad “Obama for Life in August. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald cares” enough for us and millions others in our country who need to know they will now be able see a doctor and get needed medications, es- pecially when they are in pain or worried about their health. 20 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY VIEWPOINTs TIMES were overworked with these new Sunday hours were the youngest—we were all the same. and a crowd bigger than Valentine’s Day, didn’t When it came time to share the day in Con- VOL. 26 No. 49, Sept. 14, 2011 LAUREN The combined forces of Windy City Times, seem to mind. Police officers, ordered there for necticut with our friends and family, we wanted founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, BLITZER- safety, were congratulating couples as they to make sure they knew just how important founded May 1987. WRIGHT walked by. ONE protester stood with a sign that every person there was. How their support and say “God hates Gays,” toting a Bible and scream- love for us and the LGBT community, is why we PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR ing from the top of his lungs. He was quickly move one step closer to full equality everyday. Tracy Baim interrupted by the crowd of supporters clapping As our traditional “first dance” was about to be- ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky and an even larger sign that read “God Loves gin, Chely took the microphone and thanked the MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis The American Gays.” In a matter of seconds he was muffled by crowd for coming. Prior to that day I had sug- BUSINESS MANAGER Meghan Streit the homemade sign and outpouring of support. gested that we take some of the tradition out DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright From the line, to the waiting room, to the of our wedding and add some of our own new ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson dream: An interfaith, SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy Judge who took care in every second of our time traditions. So began one of the most meaning- Matheny, Kirk Williamson, Dave Ouano, Kirk Smid same-sex wedding together, the day was as it should be, magical. ful moments of our life so far. Chely continued, PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes As we exited the courthouse, with our marriage “Lauren and I have been so inspired by the fam- NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Williamson It has taken me about a week to get this note NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 license in my hand, we were welcomed by at ily and friends who have come here today, and together, not because of the hurricane, earth- SENIOR WRITERS Kate Sosin, Bob Roehr, Rex least 200 people clapping and screaming for ev- nothing will ever change that. We’ve also been quake or any other natural disaster that has Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Per- ery couple that walked out married. Even writing deeply inspired by so many of the same-sex cou- egrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair, Erica Demarest swept the east coast, but because I’m afraid I it now swells my eyes with tears. ples who have joined us, and we would like to THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan will not be able to do the content justice. On CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. The day was not just about us, it was about not only dedicate our first dance to all of you, Saturday, Aug. 20, I was walked down the aisle BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair all the LGBT couples that shared their wedding, but also invite all of the same-sex couples to the by both of my parents, in front of 200 family ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS stories and sense of community that day. That dance floor to share our first dance with us.” Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence members and friends to meet my bride-to-be, resonated with us in a deep way. We were mar- We did not realize until after that moment, Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Alicia Wilson, Chely Wright; our reverend, Welton Gaddy; and Jonathan Abarbanel ried 600 times, we were the couple behind us, that most of the same-sex couples who were my Aunt Ellen, who was our rabbi for the day. COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet we were the oldest couple to get married, we there had never felt comfortable enough to ac- We were living our own American Dream, an in- Harper, Lee Lynch, Tully Satre, Lisa Keen, Charlsie tually dance together at a wedding. That they Dewey, Michael Knipp, Lisa Klein, Joe Erbentraut, terfaith, same-sex wedding on a sunny Saturday never felt a sense of comfort or acceptance at a Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Chuck Colbert, in Connecticut. Micki Leventhal, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Sally wedding. But little did the crowd of family and friends Parsons, Emmanuel Garcia It was a sad realization, but one that is about know—we were already legally married. SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel to change drastically. Ferrand, Hal Baim, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia, With the luck of the draw (and pre-registering While Faith in America is not a religious orga- Dave Ouano, Tim Carroll for a N.Y. state marriage license), Chely and I nization and many of us share different beliefs, CIRCULATION were picked to be one of the first couples to be Jean Albright Chely and I consider spirituality an important CIRCULATION DIRECTOR married in New York City. Not wanting to take DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, part of our lives. I’ve recently heard some ri- away from the specialness of our Connecticut Sue and Victor diculous theories from religious people—like WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead pro- wedding, we told no one. But the pull to make suggesting gays elicit God’s wrath through grammer: Martie Marro) history was too great. We wanted in. This was natural disasters (a hurricane and earthquake in our day. At 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 24, we lined one week). This is what I know—acts of God up at City Hall in Manhattan in the extreme Copyright 2011 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media are unique and beautiful and I experienced two; Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back heat, with approximately 600 other same-sex issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). July 24 and Aug. 20. couples smiling ear to ear. No one complained Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, Lots of friends have asked us where we are and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and about the heat or the five-hour wait to just get no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. registered and “what can we get you.” We have into the building. What we experienced on that All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy everything we need (or all that can fit in NYC City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned line was the community that had been fighting for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing apartment), so we’ve asked kindly that they for this and other rights for decades. and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, show their support for us by supporting Faith in cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own Chely and I had only been planning our wed- America, by supporting LGBT people everywhere and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City ding for less than a year—but the handsome Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of and helping prevent that religious and moral a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy couple behind us had been waiting for this for stamp of disapproval being placed on all our City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the 22 years. A schoolteacher and firefighter from sexual orientation of such person or organization. While friends, supporters and LGBT community mem- we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make New Jersey, these two gentlemen had stood by bers, particularly in North Carolina where the this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept each other since the late eighties, seeing friends responsibility for advertising claims. anti-gay marriage amendment is being consid- perish from the AIDS epidemic, experiencing (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 ered by lawmakers this week. work place discrimination and staying together e-mail: [email protected] Lauren Blitzer-Wright is the development through it all. They wore purple flowers on their director of Faith in America. To make a gift, www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com shirts and brought their witnesses, a straight visit https://www.faithinamerica.org/donate. radio: WindyCityQueercast.com couple who have been their best friends for video: QueerTVNetwork.com years. We were surrounded by history. Lauren Blitzer and Chely Wright on their wed- The overwhelming sense of pride, together- ding day. Photo courtesy of Blitzer-Wright WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, ness, joy and genuine love was beyond what I 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 U.S.A could have imagined. City Hall employees who (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY)

Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. LETTERS OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com www.WindyCityQueercast.com Here’s the rub clusive means of sexual expression during this Sincerely yours, www.QueerTVNetwork.com deadly epidemic can greatly improve these dismal Max Smith Dear Editor: statistics. An appropriate boundary for men to Chicago “Windy City Media Group generated stay negative for HIV is: no anal sex in any posi- enormous interest among their readers With these statistics about HIV/AIDS among tion, no exceptions. in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index young Black gay/bisexual men, a radical solution Survey. Out of approximately 100 ought to be implemented. It is simple, free and print and online media partners who effective: frottage—non-penetrating, face-to- participated in the survey, Windy face, male body-to-male body friction of penis to City was the best performing regional partner’s belly to orgasm. media in the U.S. Only survey partners This simple, free and effective way of same- with a nationwide footprint were gender lovemaking ought to be mantra #1 in the able to generate a greater number of Send letters and viewpoints to responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research prevention effort. “Wear a condom, get tested, Director, Community Marketing, Inc. wear a condom, get tested” is not working as a [email protected]. primary message. It is extremely frustrating to be 57 years old, to have tested negative for HIV in July 2011 and Items may be edited to be a man who has been very sexual with both negative and positive partners since 1972 wit- for length or clarity. ness this very effective method of HIV-infection prevention be kept off the table by prevention specialists. Success in using frottage as a primary or ex- WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 21 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Johnny Knight

LABOR DAY Waiting for Lefty—which features vignettes inspired by the New York cab strike of 1934—is reviewed on page 27. THEATER DISH SPORTS ‘North’ face. Ashley’s ‘Foodgasm.’ The puck stops here. Page 26. Page 36. Page 42.

Brian Plocharczyk in Farragut North. Photo of Ashley Simone Photo of Mike Quigley Photo by Johnny Knight by Michelle Kaffko by Ross Forman

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT

Robert Patrick. Talking with Photo courtesy Robert Patrick of Patrick BY SCOTT C. MORGAN in a 1974 production of The Haunted Host that multi-Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein first Gay playwright/poet/lyricist/novelist Rob- performed as a male instead of in drag. ert Patrick is set to receive the 2011 Artistic However, Patrick is arguably best known for Achievement Award from The New York Innova- Kennedy’s Children, which looks at a genera- contractually tied to those works. (Patrick de- Also, though Patrick is sad he can’t afford to tive Theatre Awards, an organization founded in tion’s disillusionment with the American Dream clined to name his former agent.) pick up his New York award in person, he’s great- 2004 to honor great work in New York City’s off- following the tumultuous 1960s. First produced “Even Samuel French advised me against it,” ly honored for what it symbolizes in terms of his off-Broadway scene, Sept. 19. in London in 1973, Kennedy’s Children has been Patrick said, adding that royalties from Ken- life and career. However, Patrick, a 74-year-old retiree living produced worldwide and still sees the occasional nedy’s Children alone would have acted like an “It means the most important thing to any in Los Angeles, won’t be on hand to pick up the revival. (Chicago’s Promethean Theatre Ensem- annuity. “I said that I’ll just write other plays artist—it means that someone remembers my award. Actress Shirley Knight, who won a Tony ble produced it in 2010.) and some of them will be hits. And a lot of them work,” Patrick said of the award. “It is, after all, Award after starring in the 1975 Broadway pro- However, Patrick said he would never have were hits, but nowhere on the scale of Kennedy’s the be-all and end-all of doing it.” duction of Patrick’s drama Kennedy’s Children, is had any success with the play if it weren’t for Children.” set to accept the award on Patrick’s behalf. the long-gone gay Chicago theater company At Patrick said that he officially retired from the- ‘Mormon’ to proselytize in Chicago When asked during a telephone interview why the Drama Shelter. (The theater had the “At the” ater in 1990, although some later plays have Broadway in Chicago recently announced its he couldn’t accept the award in person, Patrick in its name so it could be first in the Chicago slipped through now and then (The People’s The- 2012 seasonal lineup, and the big news is that matter-of-factly said, “Money.” As much as Pat- Reader’s listings.) ater of Chicago produced Patrick’s 1994 gays- a Chicago company of The Book of Mormon will rick would love to attend the ceremony, he can’t Patrick said he was about to be evicted and working-in-show-business drama Hollywood at play a 12-week engagement at the Bank of afford the New York transportation and hotel homeless while living in Los Angeles when At Sunset in 2007). Nowadays, Patrick makes no America Theatre starting December 2012. costs. the Drama Shelter’s Ron Hitchcock and Daryl bones about living off of Social Security and The Chicago company will be separate from Patrick joins the ranks of previous winners of Hale provided him with an influx of unpaid freelancing reviews gay male porn films for a va- a Book of Mormon national touring company the Artistic Achievement Award like playwrights royalty fees from The Haunted Host (the cash riety of outlets. launching in Denver next August, which means Lanford Wilson and Maria Irene Fornes as well as allowed Patrick to journey to London, where When asked what he’d like to be most remem- that this wildly irreverent and nine-time Tony avant-garde director Tom O’Horgan. Patrick also Kennedy’s Children soon became a solid hit). As bered for, Patrick mentioned his rarely produced Award-winning musical by South Park creators got his artistic start by chance when he walked thanks, Patrick worked with At the Drama Shel- play Judas (a Jesus Christ drama seen from Pon- Trey Parker and Matt Stone with Avenue Q com- into Greenwich Village’s Caffe Cino (generally ter for about a year in 1974, happy spending his tius Pilate’s perspective) and a children’s pro- poser Robert Lopez might become a long-run- considered to be New York’s first off-off-Broad- time largely within a five-block span near the duction called The Golden Circle that is based ning Windy City hit on the scale of Wicked or way theatre) Sept. 14, 1961. theater’s location at 2020 N. Halsted St. upon the signs of the Zodiac. “They’re all online Jersey Boys (providing that ticket sales prompt Patrick, a native Texan, started working be- Although Patrick would go on to write sev- to read, so don’t take my word for it,” Patrick an extension or two). hind the scenes at the Caffe Cino before the the- eral other plays (often with gay themes like the said. Other shows in the 2012 lineup include Ameri- ater produced his first play, a gay drama called seminal 1983 teenage drama Blue is for Boys Patrick sadly noted that artistic associates can Idiot, Fela! and a new musical based upon The Haunted Host, in 1964. and the 1988 historical cycle Untold Decades), who were previous Artistic Achievement Award the film Bring it On, plus several return engage- “That play has been presented to open so he said he didn’t handle success and fame very recipients from The New York Innovative Theatre ments of shows like Mamma Mia!, In the Heights, many gay theaters around the world—from well. In 1980, Patrick admitted to making a hor- Awards have passed away not long after win- Jersey Boys, Cats and more. Visit http://www. Alaska to South Africa,” Patrick said, though he rible business decision to sell off the rights of ning. However, he added that he’s still going on broadwayinchicago.com for more information. surmises it’s because it economically calls for his Samuel French-published plays, in large part strong thanks to a recent walking-as-exercise only two actors. Patrick is also noted that is was to rid himself of an aggressive agent who was routine. 22 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

INDICATION: REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate) is a IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (cont’d): prescription medicine used in combination with other • Severe rash may develop with other symptoms that could be medicines to treat people 6 years of age and older who are serious and potentially cause death. If you develop a rash infected with the human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV). with any of the following symptoms, stop using REYATAZ REYATAZ has been studied in a 48-week trial in patients and call your healthcare provider right away: who have taken anti-HIV medicines and a 96-week trial in patients who have never taken anti-HIV medicines. — Shortness of breath – General ill-feeling or “fl u-like” symptoms REYATAZ does not cure HIV or lower your chance of – Fever passing HIV to others. People taking REYATAZ may still – Muscle or joint aches get opportunistic infections or other conditions that happen with HIV infection. – Conjunctivitis (red or infl amed eyes, like “pink eye”) – Blisters – Mouth sores IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: – Swelling of your face Do not take REYATAZ if you are allergic to • Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes may occur due to REYATAZ or to any of its ingredients. increases in bilirubin levels in the blood (bilirubin is made Do not take REYATAZ if you are taking the by the liver). following medicines due to potential for serious, • A change in the way your heart beats may occur. life-threatening side effects or death: Versed® You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. These could be symptoms (midazolam) when taken by mouth, Halcion® (triazolam), of a heart problem. ergot medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, • Diabetes and high blood sugar may occur in patients taking ergotamine, and methylergonovine such as Cafergot®, ® ® ® protease inhibitor medicines like REYATAZ. Some patients may Migranal , D.H.E. 45 , ergotrate maleate, Methergine , need changes in their diabetes medicine. and others), Propulsid® (cisapride), or Orap® (pimozide). • If you have liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, Do not take REYATAZ with the following medicines ® it may get worse when you take anti-HIV medicines like due to potential for serious side effects: Camptosar REYATAZ. (irinotecan), Crixivan® (indinavir), Mevacor® (lovastatin), Zocor® (simvastatin), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin), • Kidney stones have been reported in patients taking or Revatio® (sildenafi l). REYATAZ. Signs or symptoms of kidney stones include pain in your side, blood in your urine, and pain when you urinate. Do not take REYATAZ with the following medicines as they may lower the amount of REYATAZ in your • Some patients with hemophilia have increased bleeding blood, which may lead to increased HIV viral load and problems with protease inhibitor medicines like REYATAZ. resistance to REYATAZ or other anti-HIV medicines: • Changes in body fat have been seen in some patients taking rifampin (also known as Rimactane®, Rifadin®, Rifater®, anti-HIV medicines. The cause and long-term effects are not or Rifamate®), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)- known at this time. containing products, or Viramune® (nevirapine). • Immune reconstitution syndrome has been seen in some Serevent Diskus® (salmeterol) and Advair® (salmeterol patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS) and with fl uticasone) are not recommended with REYATAZ. a history of opportunistic infection. Signs and symptoms Do not take Vfend® (voriconazole) if you are taking of infl ammation from previous infections may occur soon after REYATAZ and Norvir® (ritonavir). starting anti-HIV treatment, including REYATAZ. The above lists of medicines are not complete. Taking • Gallbladder disorders (including gallstones and gallbladder REYATAZ with some other medicines may require infl ammation) have been reported in patients taking REYATAZ. your therapy to be monitored more closely or Other common side effects of REYATAZ taken with other may require a change in dose or dose schedule of anti-HIV medicines include: nausea; headache; stomach pain; REYATAZ or the other medicine. Discuss with your vomiting; diarrhea; depression; fever; dizziness; healthcare provider all prescription and non-prescription trouble sleeping; numbness, tingling, or burning medicines, vitamin and herbal supplements, or other health of hands or feet; and muscle pain. preparations you are taking or plan to take. You should take REYATAZ once daily with Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant food (a meal or snack). Swallow the capsules or plan to become pregnant. REYATAZ use during whole; do not open the capsules. You pregnancy has not been associated with an increase in birth should take REYATAZ and your other defects. Pregnant women have experienced serious side anti-HIV medicines exactly as effects when taking REYATAZ with other HIV medicines instructed by your healthcare provider. called nucleoside analogues. After your baby is born, tell your healthcare provider if your You are encouraged to report baby’s skin or the white part of his/her eyes turns yellow. negative side effects of prescription You should not breast-feed if you are HIV-positive. drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or Also tell your healthcare provider if you have call 1-800-FDA-1088. end-stage kidney disease managed with hemodialysis or severe liver dysfunction. REYATAZ is one of several Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any side treatment options your doctor effects, symptoms, or conditions, including the following: may consider. • Mild rash (redness and itching) without other symptoms sometimes occurs in patients taking REYATAZ, most Please see Important often in the fi rst few weeks after the medicine is started, Patient Information and usually goes away within 2 weeks with about REYATAZ on the no change in treatment. adjacent pages.

REYATAZ is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and not of Bristol-Myers Squibb.

© 2011 Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543 U.S.A. 687US11AB06103 06/11

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INDICATION: REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate) is a IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (cont’d): prescription medicine used in combination with other • Severe rash may develop with other symptoms that could be medicines to treat people 6 years of age and older who are DETERMINED UNDETECTABLE serious and potentially cause death. If you develop a rash infected with the human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV). + with any of the following symptoms, stop using REYATAZ REYATAZ has been studied in a 48-week trial in patients and call your healthcare provider right away: who have taken anti-HIV medicines and a 96-week trial in patients who have never taken anti-HIV medicines. — Shortness of breath – General ill-feeling or “fl u-like” symptoms REYATAZ CAN HELP GET YOU REYATAZ does not cure HIV or lower your chance of – Fever passing HIV to others. People taking REYATAZ may still – Muscle or joint aches get opportunistic infections or other conditions that TO UNDETECTABLE, SO YOU CAN happen with HIV infection. – Conjunctivitis (red or infl amed eyes, like “pink eye”) – Blisters – Mouth sores FIGHT HIV YOUR WAY. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: – Swelling of your face Do not take REYATAZ if you are allergic to • Yellowing of the skin and/or eyes may occur due to REYATAZ or to any of its ingredients. increases in bilirubin levels in the blood (bilirubin is made ONCE-DAILY REYATAZ IN HIV COMBINATION THERAPY: Do not take REYATAZ if you are taking the by the liver). following medicines due to potential for serious, • A change in the way your heart beats may occur. life-threatening side effects or death: Versed® You may feel dizzy or lightheaded. These could be symptoms • Can help lower your viral load to undetectable* and (midazolam) when taken by mouth, Halcion® (triazolam), of a heart problem. help raise your T-cell (CD4+ cell) count ergot medicines (dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, • Diabetes and high blood sugar may occur in patients taking ergotamine, and methylergonovine such as Cafergot®, • Has been prescribed by physicians for more than ® ® ® protease inhibitor medicines like REYATAZ. Some patients may 200,000 HIV patients since 2003† Migranal , D.H.E. 45 , ergotrate maleate, Methergine , need changes in their diabetes medicine. and others), Propulsid® (cisapride), or Orap® (pimozide). • If you have liver disease, including hepatitis B or C, • Can be taken by adults who are starting HIV Do not take REYATAZ with the following medicines ® it may get worse when you take anti-HIV medicines like treatment for the fi rst time and adults who have due to potential for serious side effects: Camptosar REYATAZ. (irinotecan), Crixivan® (indinavir), Mevacor® (lovastatin), already been on HIV treatment Zocor® (simvastatin), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin), • Kidney stones have been reported in patients taking or Revatio® (sildenafi l). REYATAZ. Signs or symptoms of kidney stones include pain in Do not take REYATAZ if you are allergic to REYATAZ your side, blood in your urine, and pain when you urinate. Do not take REYATAZ with the following medicines or to any of its ingredients. as they may lower the amount of REYATAZ in your • Some patients with hemophilia have increased bleeding blood, which may lead to increased HIV viral load and problems with protease inhibitor medicines like REYATAZ. REYATAZ does not cure HIV and has not been shown resistance to REYATAZ or other anti-HIV medicines: • Changes in body fat have been seen in some patients taking to reduce the risk of passing HIV to others. rifampin (also known as Rimactane®, Rifadin®, Rifater®, anti-HIV medicines. The cause and long-term effects are not ® or Rifamate ), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)- known at this time. Individual results may vary. containing products, or Viramune® (nevirapine). • Immune reconstitution syndrome has been seen in some Serevent Diskus® (salmeterol) and Advair® (salmeterol patients with advanced HIV infection (AIDS) and with fl uticasone) are not recommended with REYATAZ. a history of opportunistic infection. Signs and symptoms Ask your healthcare team how REYATAZ Do not take Vfend® (voriconazole) if you are taking of infl ammation from previous infections may occur soon after in combination therapy can help get you ® REYATAZ and Norvir (ritonavir). starting anti-HIV treatment, including REYATAZ. to undetectable. The above lists of medicines are not complete. Taking • Gallbladder disorders (including gallstones and gallbladder REYATAZ with some other medicines may require infl ammation) have been reported in patients taking REYATAZ. your therapy to be monitored more closely or Other common side effects of REYATAZ taken with other may require a change in dose or dose schedule of anti-HIV medicines include: nausea; headache; stomach pain; REYATAZ or the other medicine. Discuss with your vomiting; diarrhea; depression; fever; dizziness; healthcare provider all prescription and non-prescription trouble sleeping; numbness, tingling, or burning medicines, vitamin and herbal supplements, or other health of hands or feet; and muscle pain. preparations you are taking or plan to take. You should take REYATAZ once daily with Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant food (a meal or snack). Swallow the capsules or plan to become pregnant. REYATAZ use during whole; do not open the capsules. You pregnancy has not been associated with an increase in birth should take REYATAZ and your other defects. Pregnant women have experienced serious side anti-HIV medicines exactly as effects when taking REYATAZ with other HIV medicines instructed by your healthcare provider. called nucleoside analogues. After your baby is born, tell your healthcare provider if your You are encouraged to report baby’s skin or the white part of his/her eyes turns yellow. negative side effects of prescription You should not breast-feed if you are HIV-positive. drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or Also tell your healthcare provider if you have call 1-800-FDA-1088. end-stage kidney disease managed with hemodialysis or severe liver dysfunction. REYATAZ is one of several Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any side treatment options your doctor Fight HIV your way. effects, symptoms, or conditions, including the following: may consider. • Mild rash (redness and itching) without other symptoms sometimes occurs in patients taking REYATAZ, most Please see Important often in the fi rst few weeks after the medicine is started, Patient Information and usually goes away within 2 weeks with about REYATAZ on the no change in treatment. adjacent pages. www.REYATAZ.com REYATAZ is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb. * Undetectable was defi ned as a viral load All other trademarks are the property of less than 400 copies/mL. of their respective owners and not † Wolters Kluwer. SDI Product Brand of Bristol-Myers Squibb. Report. Total Patient Tracker; November 2010.

© 2011 Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08543 U.S.A. 687US11AB06103 06/11

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FDA-Approved Patient Labeling REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate) Patient Information • About all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription REYATAZ® (RAY-ah-taz) medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Keep a list of your medicines (generic name = atazanavir sulfate) with you to show your healthcare provider. For more information, see “What important information should I know about taking REYATAZ with other Capsules medicines?” and “Who should not take REYATAZ?” Some medicines can ALERT: Find out about medicines that should NOT be taken with cause serious side effects if taken with REYATAZ. REYATAZ (atazanavir sulfate). Read the section “What important information How should I take REYATAZ? should I know about taking REYATAZ with other medicines?” • Take REYATAZ once every day exactly as instructed by your healthcare Read the Patient Information that comes with REYATAZ before you start using it provider. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the amount of REYATAZ that and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet provides is right for you. a summary about REYATAZ and does not include everything there is to know • Always take REYATAZ with food (a meal or snack) to help it work better. about your medicine. This information does not take the place of talking with your Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open the capsules. Take REYATAZ at healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. the same time each day. What is REYATAZ? • If you are taking antacids or didanosine (VIDEX® or VIDEX® EC), take REYATAZ is a prescription medicine used with other anti-HIV medicines to treat REYATAZ 2 hours before or 1 hour after these medicines. people 6 years of age and older who are infected with the human immunodeficiency • If you are taking medicines for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers virus (HIV). HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome such as AXID® (nizatidine), PEPCID AC® (famotidine), TAGAMET® (AIDS). REYATAZ is a type of anti-HIV medicine called a protease inhibitor. HIV (cimetidine), ZANTAC® (ranitidine), AcipHex® (rabeprazole), NEXIUM® infection destroys CD4+ (T) cells, which are important to the immune system. (esomeprazole), PREVACID® (lansoprazole), PRILOSEC® (omeprazole), The immune system helps fight infection. After a large number of (T) cells are or PROTONIX® (pantoprazole), talk to your healthcare provider. destroyed, AIDS develops. REYATAZ helps to block HIV protease, an enzyme that • Do not change your dose or stop taking REYATAZ without first talking is needed for the HIV virus to multiply. REYATAZ may lower the amount of HIV in with your healthcare provider. It is important to stay under a healthcare your blood, help your body keep its supply of CD4+ (T) cells, and reduce the risk provider’s care while taking REYATAZ. of death and illness associated with HIV. • When your supply of REYATAZ starts to run low, get more from your healthcare Does REYATAZ cure HIV or AIDS? provider or pharmacy. It is important not to run out of REYATAZ. The amount of REYATAZ does not cure HIV infection or AIDS. At present there is no cure for HIV in your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. HIV infection. People taking REYATAZ may still get opportunistic infections or other • If you miss a dose of REYATAZ, take it as soon as possible and then take conditions that happen with HIV infection. Opportunistic infections are infections your next scheduled dose at its regular time. If, however, it is within 6 hours that develop because the immune system is weak. Some of these conditions are of your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose pneumonia, herpes virus infections, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) at the regular time. Do not double the next dose. It is important that you do infections. It is very important that you see your healthcare provider regularly not miss any doses of REYATAZ or your other anti-HIV medicines. while taking REYATAZ. • If you take more than the prescribed dose of REYATAZ, call your REYATAZ does not lower your chance of passing HIV to other people through healthcare provider or poison control center right away. sexual contact, sharing needles, or being exposed to your blood. For your What are the possible side effects of REYATAZ? health and the health of others, it is important to always practice safer sex by The following list of side effects is not complete. Report any new or continuing using a latex or polyurethane condom or other barrier to lower the chance of sexual symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you have questions about side effects, contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Never use or share dirty needles. ask your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may be able to help you Who should not take REYATAZ? manage these side effects. Do not take REYATAZ if you: The following side effects have been reported with REYATAZ: • are taking certain medicines. (See “What important information should I • mild rash (redness and itching) without other symptoms sometimes occurs know about taking REYATAZ with other medicines?”) Serious life-threatening in patients taking REYATAZ, most often in the first few weeks after the side effects or death may happen. Before you take REYATAZ, tell your medicine is started. Rashes usually go away within 2 weeks with no change healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking or planning to take. in treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if rash occurs. These include other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, • severe rash: Rash may develop in association with other symptoms which and herbal supplements. could be serious and potentially cause death. • are allergic to REYATAZ or to any of its ingredients. The active ingredient If you develop a rash with any of the following symptoms stop using is atazanavir sulfate. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of REYATAZ and call your healthcare provider right away: ingredients in REYATAZ. Tell your healthcare provider if you think you have • shortness of breath had an allergic reaction to any of these ingredients. • general ill feeling or “flu-like” symptoms What should I tell my healthcare provider before I take REYATAZ? • fever Tell your healthcare provider: • muscle or joint aches • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. REYATAZ use during • conjunctivitis (red or inflamed eyes, like “pink eye”) pregnancy has not been associated with an increase in birth defects. • blisters Pregnant women have experienced serious side effects when taking • mouth sores REYATAZ with other HIV medicines called nucleoside analogues. You and • swelling of your face your healthcare provider will need to decide if REYATAZ is right for you. If you • yellowing of the skin or eyes. These effects may be due to increases in use REYATAZ while you are pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about bilirubin levels in the blood (bilirubin is made by the liver). Although these the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry. effects may not be damaging to your liver, skin, or eyes, call your healthcare • After your baby is born, tell your healthcare provider if your baby’s skin provider promptly if your skin or the white part of your eyes turn yellow. or the white part of his/her eyes turns yellow. • a change in the way your heart beats (heart rhythm change). Call your • If you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed if you are HIV-positive healthcare provider right away if you get dizzy or lightheaded. These could because of the chance of passing HIV to your baby. Also, it is not known if be symptoms of a heart problem. REYATAZ can pass into your breast milk and if it can harm your baby. If you • diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) sometimes happen in are a woman who has or will have a baby, talk with your healthcare provider patients taking protease inhibitor medicines like REYATAZ. Some patients had about the best way to feed your baby. diabetes before taking protease inhibitors while others did not. Some patients • If you have liver problems or are infected with the hepatitis B or C virus. may need changes in their diabetes medicine. See “What are the possible side effects of REYATAZ?” • if you have liver disease including hepatitis B or C, your liver disease may • If you have end stage kidney disease managed with hemodialysis. get worse when you take anti-HIV medicines like REYATAZ. • If you have diabetes. See “What are the possible side effects of REYATAZ?” • kidney stones have been reported in patients taking REYATAZ. If you develop • If you have hemophilia. See “What are the possible side effects of signs or symptoms of kidney stones (pain in your side, blood in your urine, REYATAZ?” pain when you urinate) tell your healthcare provider promptly.

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REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate) REYATAZ® (atazanavir sulfate) • some patients with hemophilia have increased bleeding problems with • BUPRENEX®, SUBUTEX®, SUBOXONE®, (buprenorphine or buprenorphine/ protease inhibitors like REYATAZ. naloxone, used to treat pain and addiction to narcotic painkillers). • changes in body fat. These changes may include an increased amount of fat • VASCOR® (bepridil, used for chest pain). in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around the trunk. • COUMADIN® (warfarin). Loss of fat from the legs, arms, and face may also happen. The cause and • Tricyclic antidepressants such as ELAVIL® (amitriptyline), NORPRAMIN® long-term health effects of these conditions are not known at this time. (desipramine), SINEQUAN® (doxepin), SURMONTIL® (trimipramine), • immune reconstitution syndrome. In some patients with advanced HIV TOFRANIL® (imipramine), or VIVACTIL® (protriptyline). infection (AIDS) and a history of opportunistic infection, signs and symptoms • Medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection: SANDIMMUNE® or NEORAL® of inflammation from previous infections may occur soon after anti-HIV (cyclosporin), RAPAMUNE® (sirolimus), or PROGRAF® (tacrolimus). treatment, including REYATAZ, is started. • The antidepressant trazodone (DESYREL® and others). Other common side effects of REYATAZ taken with other anti-HIV medicines • Fluticasone propionate (FLONASE®, FLOVENT®), given by nose or inhaled to include nausea; headache; stomach pain; vomiting; diarrhea; depression; fever; treat allergic symptoms or asthma. Your doctor may choose not to keep you dizziness; trouble sleeping; numbness, tingling, or burning of hands or feet; and on fluticasone, especially if you are also taking NORVIR®. muscle pain. • Colchicine (COLCRYS®), used to prevent or treat gout or treat familial Gallbladder disorders (which may include gallstones and gallbladder Mediterranean fever. inflammation) have been reported in patients taking REYATAZ. The following medicines may require a change in the dose or dose schedule What important information should I know about taking REYATAZ with other of either REYATAZ or the other medicine: medicines? • INVIRASE® (saquinavir). Do not take REYATAZ if you take the following medicines (not all brands may • NORVIR® (ritonavir). be listed; tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take). • SUSTIVA® (efavirenz). REYATAZ may cause serious, life-threatening side effects or death when • Antacids or buffered medicines. used with these medicines. • VIDEX® (didanosine). • Ergot medicines: dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, and ® ® ® ® • VIREAD (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate). methylergonovine such as CAFERGOT , MIGRANAL , D.H.E. 45 , ergotrate ® maleate, METHERGINE®, and others (used for migraine headaches). • MYCOBUTIN (rifabutin). ® ® • ORAP® (pimozide, used for Tourette’s disorder). • Calcium channel blockers such as CARDIZEM or TIAZAC (diltiazem), COVERA-HS® or ISOPTIN SR® (verapamil) and others. • PROPULSID® (cisapride, used for certain stomach problems). • BIAXIN® (clarithromycin). • Triazolam, also known as HALCION® (used for insomnia). • Medicines for indigestion, heartburn, or ulcers such as AXID® (nizatidine), ® (used for sedation), when taken by mouth. • Midazolam, also known as VERSED PEPCID AC® (famotidine), TAGAMET® (cimetidine), or ZANTAC® (ranitidine). Do not take the following medicines with REYATAZ because of possible Talk to your healthcare provider about choosing an effective method of serious side effects: contraception. REYATAZ may affect the safety and effectiveness of hormonal • CAMPTOSAR® (irinotecan, used for cancer). contraceptives such as birth control pills or the contraceptive patch. Hormonal • CRIXIVAN® (indinavir, used for HIV infection). Both REYATAZ and CRIXIVAN contraceptives do not prevent the spread of HIV to others. sometimes cause increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. Remember: ® ® • Cholesterol-lowering medicines MEVACOR (lovastatin) or ZOCOR 1. Know all the medicines you take. (simvastatin). 2. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take. • UROXATRAL® (alfuzosin, used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate). 3. Do not start a new medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. • REVATIO® (sildenafil, used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension). How should I store REYATAZ? Do not take the following medicines with REYATAZ because they may lower the amount of REYATAZ in your blood. This may lead to an increased HIV viral • Store REYATAZ Capsules at room temperature, 59° to 86° F (15° to 30° C). load. Resistance to REYATAZ or cross-resistance to other HIV medicines may Do not store this medicine in a damp place such as a bathroom medicine develop: cabinet or near the kitchen sink. • Rifampin (also known as RIMACTANE®, RIFADIN®, RIFATER®, or RIFAMATE®, • Keep your medicine in a tightly closed container. used for tuberculosis). • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets at all times. Do not • St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), an herbal product sold as a dietary keep medicine that is out of date or that you no longer need. Dispose of supplement, or products containing St. John’s wort. unused medicines through community take-back disposal programs when • VIRAMUNE® (nevirapine, used for HIV infection). available or place REYATAZ in an unrecognizable, closed container in the household trash. The following medicines are not recommended with REYATAZ: General information about REYATAZ • SEREVENT DISKUS® (salmeterol) and ADVAIR® (salmeterol with fluticasone), used to treat asthma, emphysema/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease This medicine was prescribed for your particular condition. Do not use REYATAZ also known as COPD. for another condition. Do not give REYATAZ to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Keep REYATAZ and all medicines Do not take the following medicine if you are taking REYATAZ and NORVIR® out of the reach of children and pets. together: This summary does not include everything there is to know about REYATAZ. • VFEND® (voriconazole). Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in The following medicines may require your healthcare provider to monitor patient information leaflets. Remember no written summary can replace careful your therapy more closely (for some medicines a change in the dose or dose discussion with your healthcare provider. If you would like more information, talk schedule may be needed): with your healthcare provider or you can call 1-800-321-1335. • CIALIS® (tadalafil), LEVITRA® (vardenafil), or VIAGRA® (sildenafil), used to What are the ingredients in REYATAZ? treat erectile dysfunction. REYATAZ may increase the chances of serious side Active Ingredient: atazanavir sulfate effects that can happen with CIALIS, LEVITRA, or VIAGRA. Do not use CIALIS, Inactive Ingredients: Crospovidone, lactose monohydrate (milk sugar), LEVITRA, or VIAGRA while you are taking REYATAZ unless your healthcare magnesium stearate, gelatin, FD&C Blue #2, and titanium dioxide. provider tells you it is okay. VIDEX® and REYATAZ® are registered trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. • ADCIRCA® (tadalafil) or TRACLEER® (bosentan), used to treat pulmonary COUMADIN® and SUSTIVA® are registered trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb arterial hypertension. Pharma Company. DESYREL® is a registered trademark of Mead Johnson and • LIPITOR® (atorvastatin) or CRESTOR® (rosuvastatin). There is an increased Company. Other brands listed are the trademarks of their respective owners and chance of serious side effects if you take REYATAZ with this cholesterol- are not trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. lowering medicine. ® • Medicines for abnormal heart rhythm: CORDARONE (amiodarone), lidocaine, Princeton, NJ 08543 USA quinidine (also known as CARDIOQUIN®, QUINIDEX®, and others). • MYCOBUTIN® (rifabutin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis). 1246226A9 F1-B0001B-02-11 Rev February 2011

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THEATER REVIEW spends the rest of the play desperately trying to cajole his way back into the good graces Farragut North of campaign manager (and mentor) Paul Zara Playwright: Beau Willimon (Michael Dailey). At: Stage Left Theatre at Bellamy’s egotistical machinations and Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont scrambling make Farragut North into a grip- Phone: 773-975-8150; $25 ping drama questioning where true loyalty Runs through: Oct. 9 lies amid the backroom wrangling among po- litical workers and the press. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Director Vance Smith does a good job of staging Farragut North for Stage Left Theatre, A film adapted from the play Farragut North but there is room for improvement. will soon be showing in a multiplex near you, As the overconfident Bellamy, Plocharczyk but under the new title of The Ides of March. should be more of an arrogant and power- (Undoubtedly, that symbolic date drawn from hungry prick in the early scenes (think of a Shakespeare’s political-backstabber Julius young Charlie Sheen). At the opening night Caesar is more accessible than the play’s performance, Plocharczyk came off as too moniker, drawn from a Metro station name much of a decent and nice guy, making Bel- that leads to a district full of lobbyists in lamy’s monstrously revengeful actions at the Washington, D.C.) end of the play feel uncharacteristically ex- However, for those who want to take a gan- treme. der at Beau Willimon’s original 2008 play that In fact, all of the performances could have inspired the forthcoming George Clooney/ been turned up an emotional notch, espe- Ryan Gosling film, head over to Theater Wit cially considering all the high-stakes conflicts to see how Stage Left Theatre interprets Far- and outcomes. Smith’s pacing of the show ragut North in its Chicago premiere. could also have been more taught, what with Willimon, a political campaign veteran and some of the scenic changes slowing down the a former speechwriter for President Bill Clin- flow on Roger Wykes’ otherwise functional ton, creates a tension-filled drama about a multiple-location set. savvy and ambitious 25-year-old press sec- However, in the grand scheme of things, retary named Stephen Bellamy (Brian Plo- Stage Left Theatre’s Farragut North ultimately charczyk) who is the mastermind behind succeeds since it sheds some light on the fre- the Democratic presidential campaign for an quently ugly underside of American politick- unseen Gov. Mike Morris. Bellamy makes an ing. Farragut North shows how sometimes a Cyrano. Photo by Michael Brosilow uncharacteristic slip-up by meeting with rival dose of jolting reality can be just as insight- campaign manager Tom Duffy (Sandy Elias) in ful and compelling as a serving of uplifting the lead-up to the Iowa Caucuses, and then THEATER REVIEW turn to the woman they both love. optimism. This parable of sacrifice loses none of its power Cyrano for being reduced to a Classics Illustrated graph- Playwright: adapted by Matt Hawkins ic novel. The actors deliver uniformly vigorous from the play by Edmund Rostand portrayals of their plot-mandated personalities, Brian At: House Theatre of Chicago while the technical team takes full advantage of Plocharczyk at the Chopin, 1543 W. Division St. the expansive playing area provided by a gallery and Melanie Phone: 773-769-3832;$25 surrounding the stage’s perimeter. The results Derleth Runs through: Oct. 16 may not be the definitive Cyrano de Bergerac, in Stage Left but its two-hour running time makes this an in- Theatre’s BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE terpretation tailor-made for youthful attention Farragut North. spans. Photo by Johnny The rock ‘n’ roll score that welcomes us into the Knight. auditorium could herald any House production, but when a covey of courtiers clad in quasi- cavalier drag saunter into the room, greeting audience members in unmistakably midwestern accents, we suspect that this will not be the CRITICS’ PICKS traditional Cyrano de Bergerac. Our premonitions are confirmed when an effete Josh Grobin-like The Double, Babes With Blades at Lin- Cyrano sits down at a piano to croon a “Who coln Square, through Sept. 24. Its church- am I?” soliloquy, before being joined onstage basement quarters may be shabby, but both by a football-jock Christian and a gushy Roxane the dialogue and the shiny rapiers dazzle wearing what appears to be a prom gown. in Barbara Lhota’s gender-flexing homage The premise of the nerdy swain who woos fair to the proto-feminist screwball comedies of lady for his faint-hearted comrade can be—in- the 1930s and ’40s. MSB deed, often has been—inclined toward a variety Sky’s the Limit (Weather Permitting), of dramatic genres with its resiliency undimin- Second City e.t.c., in an open run. Ameri- ished. Matt Hawkins’ abridged text cuts to the can aspirations get spoofed with sarcastic essence of Edmund Rostand’s conflicted hero: “I pessimism in this great new comedy revue SPOTLIGHT wanted to be the best at everything,” confess- that unabashedly leans left with its wit and es our beaky protagonist. “It’s not your nose, humor. SCM it’s how you feel about it,” best-buddy LeBret Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of consoles him. “I—I can’t find my—my mouth- Fleet Street, Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook, words!” stammers the inarticulate Christian. For- through Oct. 9. It’s simple: this is the best After making a splash with a hyper-intimate produc- tunately, the venerable Brian Hooker translation Sweeney Todd you ever are likely to see. tion of Bus Stop, The Den Theatre turns its attentions makes a few cameo appearances when heavy Don’t miss it. Greg Edelman and Liz McCart- to gay playwright Tennessee Williams’ lesser-known lifting is needed for the more emotive episodes. ney are Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett. The en- 1952 drama Summer and Smoke. The production fea- Flowery eloquence is particularly exigent for semble, band and designs are astonishing. tures a cast that includes Eve Rydberg as a minister’s the balcony scene, since Kevin O’Donnell’s curi- JA daughter named Alma, who falls for a wayward medical ously insipid original songs are unlikely to in- A Walk In The Woods, Timeline Theatre school graduate played by Josh Odor (very memorable spire paroxysms of ecstasy. The sole moment jus- at Theater Wit, through Nov. 20. The cold in The Artistic Home’s Sweet Bird of Youth). Summer tifying music’s live performance is when Roxane, war may be over, but Lee Blessing’s Reagan- and Smoke continues in previews before its official after hearing of her beloved Christian’s death in era speculations on the arms race acquire opening night Sept. 16. Performances then continue the line of duty, comes upon Cyrano at the piano fresh meaning when the diplomats taking a through Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Satur- playing a dirge. Without a word, she sits next stroll for a private word or two are played days and 3 p.m. Sundays at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. to him, taking up the melody for a four-handed by David Parkes and Janet Ulrich Brooks. Milwaukee Ave. (second floor). Tickets are $15-$20. serenade to their sorrow. Hawkins’ choreography MSB Call 773-609-2336 or visit http://www.thedentheatre. for Cyrano and Christian’s final stand against the com for more information. Photo of Josh Odor and Eve Spanish foe likewise reflects the fraternal bond —By Abarbanel, Barnidge Rydberg in Summer and Smoke courtesy of The Den engendered by their shared affection, the latter and Morgan holding off the enemy charge, a saber in each Theatre hand, in order to guarantee the former’s safe re- WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 27 THEATER REVIEW that even those stationed in the audience, as in THEATER REVIEW the premiere production by the legendary Group Waiting for Lefty Theatre, are distinguishable from playgoers only The Kid Thing Playwright: Clifford Odets by their period clothing. The technical design is Playwright: Sarah Gubbins The Kid At: American Blues Theater likewise first-rate, but Victoria DeIorio’s stirring At: Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. Thing. at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. sound design is worthy of special note. Tickets: www.chicagodramatists.org; $32 Photo by Phone: 773-871-3000; $25 Don’t fool yourself: This is not a docudrama, Runs through: Oct. 16 Michael Runs through: Oct. 2 flaunting an academic veneer of “historical accu- Brosilow racy.” Clifford Odets’ approach to his material is BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE undeniably romantic. In an age, however, when “truth” is the property of whomever has the Sarah Gubbins paid her playwriting dues as- We are at a union meeting, ostensibly of the most agile wordbenders on staff, sometimes a sisting other playwrights in the development New York City taxicab drivers, circa 1935. The shot of old-fashioned agitprop is what’s needed of their new pieces. Now she’s emerged with a gathering of the employed and formerly em- to cut through the persiflage. Opinions, goes the voice of her own, and the intelligence of that ployed are drawn from a variety of occupations, saying, are like armpits (or assholes, depend- voice is apparent in every word she writes and and as they wait for their tardy chairman—the ing on who’s listening) in that everybody’s got every moment she creates that goes from her “Lefty” of the title—we hear their reasons for one and the other guy’s always stinks. American page to a stage. mouths quickly and overlapping, as directed by being there: the sweethearts who postpone mar- Blues’ 60-minute symposium offers you an op- This new play, in a Chicago Dramatists and Joanie Schultz. Although it takes most of Act I riage and family for want of a secure future. The portunity to make up your own mind, and isn’t About Face world premiere, focuses on Darcy for the actual storyline to emerge, you come to husband whose wife upbraids him for their hun- that a luxury nowadays? and Leigh, a young professional lesbian couple. know the characters and their sometimes-unspo- gry children. The Jewish surgeon fired from her When their best friends Nate and Margot, also ken attitudes very well. Gubbins’s play isn’t very hospital job, replaced by an incompetent (but a female couple, announce they are having a complicated, yet it’s far from simplistic. Ulti- well-connected) quack. The lab assistant of- baby, Darcy and Leigh quickly begin wrestling mately, considering a kid becomes a wedge issue fered lucrative benefits in exchange for working with “the kid thing” themselves. Many of the for Darcy and Leigh as it has been for countless on biological weapons—and informing on her pros and cons of having children are the same other couples both hetero and homo. supervisor. The actor whose regional experience for all couples, gay or straight, but for lesbian Schultz extracts maximum value from the play (including Chicago’s Goodman Theatre) can’t couples their are additional factors to consider, with a clean and sharply-focused staging. Kelli land him a role on Broadway (“Even Jesus Christ among them adoption vs. birthing; selection of Simpkins, who seems to thrive on playing edgy couldn’t play [this part]—with all his talent,” a sperm donor; and the role of the non-birth characters, is Darcy to Park Krausen’s not-so-in- grumbles the producer). parent. nocent Leigh. Rebekah Ward-Hays is voluptuous With such a record of injustice—did I mention You probably will take sides fairly quickly as as Margot, who is pregnant but not showing yet, the corporate-friendly union boss and the strike- Darcy appears far more manipulative than Leigh, and perhaps not quite as keen on parenting as breaking saboteur?—is it any wonder that citi- whose intensity emerges more slowly. The bal- her butch partner, Nate, sweetly played by Hale- zens on the verge of despair turn to the promise ance tips when Gubbins ramps things up by in- na Kays. The four are a wonderful mix of bodies, of Communism? If that threat seems as quaint troducing a sperm donor who’s an old college looks and heights and completely convincing in in 2011 as catch-phrases like “coffee-and” or friend of Leigh’s. Jacob quickly becomes a cata- their roles. As Jacob, Steve O’Connell underplays “stalled like a flivver in the snow,” substitute lyst for the philosophical and emotional divides to great effect, especially in his first comical the word “Socialism.” See how familiar it sud- between Darcy and Leigh as each woman goes scene with Leigh. denly sounds? behind her partner’s back. Scenic designer Chelsea M. Warren provides a The American Blues Theater company is well- The Kid Thing is character-driven rather than detail-perfect vintage condo apartment stylishly practiced in conveying the dignity inherent in plot-driven, a play of talk rather than action and decorated with tasteful furniture and interest- plays celebrating the proletarian diversity of a nice balance of sharp comedy and (mostly) ing objects. Sarah Hughey’s lighting and Izumi our nation’s populace. Under Kimberly Senior’s drama. Especially in Act I, the dialogue—much Inaba’s in-character costumes warmly complete Waiting for Lefty. Photo by Johnny Knight meticulous direction, the 25 actors immerse of it over drinks and around the table—is witty the play’s contemporary look. themselves in their disparate roles so wholly and ultra-naturalistic, tumbling out of peoples’ nominated for 4 THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE PRESENTS ON STAGE WITH... 2011 Joseph Jefferson SUSAN WERNER Saturday awards including… September 24, 2011 new work, tickets 8:00pm musical/revue $25–30 Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair actor, musical Joe Kinosian actor, musical Alan Schmuckler 4 EASY WAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS sound design PHONE: 800.982.ARTS (2787) ONLINE: Ticketmaster.com James Savage BOX OFFICE: 50 E. Congress Pkwy GROUPS 6+: 312.431.2357 auditoriumtheatre.org extended by popular demand! FOLLOW US ON 312.595.5600 www.chicagoshakes.com Offi cial Hotel Partner Offi cial Airline 28 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES sold out, plenty of $15 general-admission tick- ets remain. Autographed Patty Duke books and photos will be available for purchase in the the- Sarah Jessica ater lobby. Parker in KNIGHT The event is a benefit for the Open Door Clinic I Don’t Know in Aurora. Open Door is an HIV clinic that spe- AT How She cializes in testing and support services. http:// Does It. THE www.opendoorclinic.org Photo by MOVIES Check out my archived reviews at http:// Craig www.windycitymediagroup.com or http:// Blankenhorn www.knightatthemovies.com. Readers can and The leave feedback at the latter website. Weinstein Company By Richard Knight, Jr.

perience that Michael encounters as he balances Kate passing off a store-bought pie as home- school and his overwhelming urge to become a made for the bake sale to fool other competi- Gun Hill Road; woman. Surprisingly, although he endures the tive, perfect moms; itching from a head lice typical homophobic reaction at school, he’s also outbreak during a corporate meeting; and, of I Don’t Know How provided both a lot more support and blithe in- course, vomit. She Does It; difference regarding his trans status than ste- Not surprisingly, our Girl Friday is surrounded reotypes would imagine. by barracudas at the office (SNL’s Seth Meyers film note Green also doesn’t shy away from scenes in and Olivia Munn as her cool-as-ice number two), which Michael/Vanessa deals with the usual and a demanding boss (Kelsey Grammer) versus It’s been three years since Enrique has been in teenage sexual urges. After Vanessa, perform- a teddy bear of a husband coming to the rescue prison and away from wife Angela and teenage ing stand-up poetry, hooks up with a male fan on the home front (the adorable Greg Kinnear, son Michael. However, Enrique, a stereotypically (who doesn’t care that she’s still partially male wasted). There’s also a supportive best friend to macho Latino who has spent the last part of his as long as she’s willing to offer sex) the teen, hold her hand and listen to her rants (Christina prison sentence in solitary after beating up a infatuated with a first love, willingly complies Hendricks of Mad Men, also wasted) and a good- gay prisoner, is coming home. What awaits him with his sexual demands. These scenes are punc- looking lothario (Pierce Brosnan) trying to steal are a wife who has taken up with another man tuated by moments in which Vanessa visits a her affections. and a son who is transitioning from male to fe- female transgender neighbor who offers illegal Director Douglas McGrath does what he can male. You’d better believe big trouble looms in hormone injections and the like. Robin DeJesus with this not particularly funny and awfully fa- Gun Hill Road, writer/director Rashaad Ernesto (who played a central character in the delightful miliar material. A few of the characters directly Green’s moving portrait of a fractured family try- Camp) plays Michael’s sassy best friend who ac- address the audience, discussing the pros and ing to find a way to hang onto their love. companies him on these eye-opening visits. cons of Kate’s plight. Aline Brosh McKenna’s Unlike La Mission, a movie with a similar plot The complexity of the emotions that run script wrestles with the age-old battle-of-the- Harmony Santana in Gun Hill Road. that focused primarily on the father’s attempt through Enrique’s head as he tries to deal with sexes questions but doesn’t really have any to come to terms with his son’s coming out, Gun Michael’s desire to transition is perhaps the answers to offer (no surprise there) and keeps Hill Road—which takes its title from the tough film’s freshest triumph. Although Enrique does Parker’s character fidgeting like mad and talking Bronx neighborhood in which it is set—pulls some truly appalling things, Green gets at the a mile a minute. ‘Stitched’ at off the neat trick of giving us the viewpoint of deep love and connection that exists between Late in the movie, when the husband has the each of its lead characters. We alternately feel father and child. inevitable freak-out and tells Kate he just wants museum Sept. 18 contempt and sympathy for Enrique, who is At one point, the two warily watch a televi- five minutes of peace, you can feel the audience A screening of Stitched—a 72-minute played with finesse by Esai Morales (who also sion show together on the couch and later, when nodding in agreement—some in the audience documentary about three quilters racing to executive-produced) as he struggles with inbred Michael falls asleep on dad’s shoulder, the vi- identifying with the situations facing Kate and complete their entries for the International prejudices in contending with both his cultural sual is quite touching. Just at that point Angela the rest just wishing the movie itself would take Quilt Festival, the largest quilt show in the and familial issues. Judy Reyes, as Angela, is a walks in. The exchange of looks between her and a chill pill. nation—will take place Sunday, Sept. 18, marvel of complexity—cautiously optimistic, Enrique is a moving, telling moment. at the National Museum of Mexican Art, angry, protective, vulnerable and sexy. She is In spite of all their differences and the un- Film note: 1852 W. 19th St., 2-4 p.m. truly the tie that tries to bind this fragile trio certainty of what lies ahead (and, yes, there’s —Patty Duke, longtime friend of the LGBT One of the quilters who is profiled is gay together. Lastly, Harmony Santana, a transgen- a lot more trouble in store at this point in the community who delighted fans when she ap- man Randall Cook, who sparked controversy der actress in her debut as Michael/Vanessa, movie), that look tells us that these three are peared last fall in conjunction with a screening with his quilt of a male nude. ably brings off the difficult role that requires inextricably bound together despite the odds. of the camp classic Valley of the Dolls at the Mu- DVDs will be available at this free event. just as much bravado (albeit from a very dif- It’s a poignant moment in a heartfelt, illumi- sic Box, returns to the Chicago area for another See http://www.stitchedfilm.com. ferent place) as the father displays and just as nating film filled with them. must-see screening. much sweetness, spirit and, above all, tough- This time the dynamic actress will be on hand ness as the mother’s. Mostly, we’re aware of the Sarah Jessica Parker warms up for Sex and the for a screening of 1962’s The Miracle Worker, character’s innate courage and determination City 3 by taking the lead in I Don’t Know How the film which won Duke an Oscar at the ripe despite the challenges. She Does It—the story of Kate Reddy, a harried old age of 16. The movie will be shown at 2 Though the story follows a familiar trajectory (to say the least) urbanite juggling motherhood p.m. at the historic Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main (gender-reassignment movies having seemingly and a big-time career. The movie, based on Al- St., St. Charles, followed by a Q&A onstage with replaced the coming-out story as the plot of lison Pearson’s best-selling novel, is a modern- Duke that Daily Herald film critic and Chicago choice for LGBT-themed films), Gun Hill Road of- day variation on movies like Baby Boom and Mr. Film Critics Association President Dann Gire will fers a lot of fresh insight into the day-to-day ex- Mom. It draws its tepid humor from stuff like conduct. Although VIP tickets for the event are

Inaside Chicago DaveOuanoPhotography.com Dance Events • Fashion • Fitness Cerqua Rivera & Dance Theatre CONSTANT 9.24.11 8:00 p.m. MOTION HARRIS THEATER for Music & Dance at Millennium Park Tickets: 312.334.7777 HarrisTheaterChicago.org

This performance is supported in part by Audience Architects’ New Stages for Dance program. Leadership support for the New Stages for Dance Initiative is provided by MetLife Foundation. ModelMayhem.com/DaveOuano Facebook: Dave Ouano Photography [email protected] WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 29 FALL MOVIE AND MUSIC ROUNDUP first in town to see the eagerly anticipated Tilda Fall queer Swinton drama We Need to Talk About Kevin. Dirty Girl, a road-trip comedy in which an overweight gay twentysomething hooks up with movie preview a sluttish party girl, is in theatres Oct. 7. That By Richard Knight, Jr. same weekend the Music Box screens the first Halloween event of the season on Sunday, Oct. 9 Fall officially arrives in a few weeks but as usual at 2 p.m. when Camp Midnight gives the camp- movies are ahead of Mother Nature—pushing the tacular matinee treatment to the 1976 horror awards season envelope with festival buzz and classic Carrie. It’s a partial benefit for Handbag laying odds on their heavyweight contenders. Productions and Dick O’Day, the alter ego of It’s seemingly the one time of year that pictures yours truly will be on hand as host. The Music with riskier content have a chance of a) actually Box will also host a return of film writer Rob getting booked in a theatre and b) getting seen Elder’s “Movie that Changed My Life” series with and appreciated by more than the coveted teen- a screening of The Godfather Oct. 16 featur- age fanboy crowd. In other words, get ready for ing Boys Don’t Cry/Stop Loss director Kimberly a fair amount of films with LGBT themes. Locally, Peirce in attendance. queer film audiences have much to anticipate The big-budget costume drama The Three between now and the end of the year. Musketeers, starring up-and-coming Welsh ac- tor Luke Evans, arrives in theatres Oct. 21 (and September premieres here earlier in the month at the Chica- Circumstance, the story of a budding and ex- go International Film Festival). Evans, who also tremely forbidden lesbian romance set in Iran stars in the forthcoming big-budget fantasy epic from bisexual filmmaker Maryam Keshavarz, is The Immortals (Nov. 11), has been the subject currently in theaters and shouldn’t be missed. of intense Internet buzz of late—for apparently Neither should Gun Hill Road, the story of a La- heading back into the closet after outing him- tino ex-con returning home to the Bronx after a self years ago. When the dust settles, could we three year absence to find that his teenage son finally have the first openly queer A-list movie is in the process of transitioning to female. (See star? my review in this week’s edition of WCT.) Queer Spanish writer-director Pedro Almodo- The Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State var’s latest film,T he Skin I Live In, in which St., has been building its LGBT-themed movie he reunites with Antonio Banderas, arrives in programming and they’ll have the Chicago pre- Chicago on Oct. 21 as well. Martha Marcy May miere beginning Sept. 23 of A Good Man, a Marlene—which stars the Olsen twins younger documentary about out dancer/choreographer sister, Elizabeth as a young woman suffering Bill T. Jones’ creation of an historic work about from the psychological fallout after escaping a Abraham Lincoln. The following week the Siskel cult—premieres here that same date. The film screens the documentary !Women Art Revolu- has absolutely no queer content, other than tion, a concurrent portrait of a group of women your out film critic has seen it and is touting it artists including queer film historian B. Ruby as one of the year’s best films. Rich and sculptor Judy Chicago. Roland Emmerich, the gay writer-producer-di- That same weekend, on Sept. 28, the Music rector of a batch of blockbusters, goes the liter-

Reeling promises to showcase many high-quality LGBT-themed films. Photo from the 2009 open- ing gala by Kat Fitzgerald

Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave., opens what prom- ary route with Anonymous, the story that asks ises to be one of the sexiest gay-themed movies the question, “Was Shakespeare a fraud?” Rhys of the year. The aptly titled Weekend focuses Ifans and Vanessa Redgrave star in the costume on an extended one-night stand that’s being de- epic that is in theatres Oct. 28. scribed as a “Before Sunrise for gay men” and October concludes with the Chicago premiere promises to warm up the chill as fall officially of lesbian director Wendy Jo Carlton’s follow up arrives. to 2009’s lesbian drama Hannah Free. Jamie and Jessie are Not Together, a romantic comedy October with music, begins a weeklong run at the Siskel The 47th Chicago International Film Festi- Oct. 28 with a gala premiere featuring Carlton, val runs Oct. 6-20. Each year the fest screens with cast and crew members (most from Chica- hundreds of films from around the world, mixing go) in attendance. Carlton wrote and directed all styles and genres, all making their Chicago the feature. (See my interview with her in this debuts. Only 25 of the fest’s titles were an- issue.) nounced at press time but they include several prominent LGBT-related titles, including Leave Turn to page 31 It On the Floor, Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, and Madame X. Fest audiences will also be the 30 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES FALL MOVIE PREVIEW Wendy Jo Carlton: From ‘Hannah’ to ‘Jamie and Jessie’

By Richard Knight, Jr. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State, on Oct. when I came to that early test screening and 28. The openly queer Carlton enthusiastically I was the honorary lesbian [laughs] in that It’s been three years since Wendy Jo Carlton di- chatted about her latest “baby” in an exclusive screening room I went through that entire rected Sharon Gless playing a lesbian (a dream interview with Windy City Times. movie thinking that Jamie and Jessie were of the lady queer community for decades) in Windy City Times: I’m going to guess that lovers who were breaking up because that’s Hannah Free, the movie adaptation of the the movie is slightly autobiographical? how I saw it from my “guy” perspective. award-winning play by Claudia Allen. Windy City Wendy Jo Carlton: I think the genesis for the You remember how all the women were like, Media Group Publisher Tracy Baim was an execu- story comes from several different worlds. One “What planet are you from?” [Laughs] when tive producer of the film. would be my own experience falling in love with I was shocked to find that they were just However, after the critical success of Hannah a good friend when I was younger—it being an friends? Free, a lesbian romantic drama with an empha- ill-fated love affair; something that wasn’t going WJC: [Laughing hard] Yes, I remember. sis on the drama, Carlton decided to work on to work out. WCT: It just is hard for guys to “get that,” something much lighter in tone. To that end, Also, I think being a lesbian woman in our I think—gay or straight. Guys jump the she penned a romantic comedy—complete with culture was interesting to examine. You can see bones and move on. [Laughs] They don’t stick Wendy Jo Carlton. songs (written in collaboration with Stephanie two women together in our heteronormative cul- around to be friends afterwards. Oh, I can’t Vlcek). The result, which like Hannah Free, was ture and you could assume what’s actually a les- believe I said that. I’m going to get hell for the higher, transcendent love that everyone’s shot here with Chicago actors and crewmembers, bian couple are just close friends as much as in that. looking for. They’re like angels that can’t get too is the charming Jamie and Jessie are Not To- the queer community, the subculture, you might WJC: [Laughs] Yes—and the fact is, you’re involved. gether. think two women together are lovers but they’re not always jumping the bones. Often, it’s that WCT: Was there a film that inspired you to The movie tracks the period in which Jamie actually just friends. It goes both ways, depend- you used to jump the bones and now the rela- do this kind of hybrid? I don’t know that I’ve announces to roommate Jessie (who harbors a ing on whose eyes are looking at you. I think tionship has moved into a deeper, more relaxed seen a lesbian romantic comedy with musical secret crush on her) that she’s leaving Chicago that’s inherent in the queer culture I traffic in friendship and for whatever reason, the romance numbers before. and moving to New York to try her luck on the and I wanted to tell a story about that moving, or sex affair didn’t last. I’m interested in those WJC: I honestly haven’t seen one either— Broadway stage. Before she leaves should Jessie gray line of intimacy versus lust versus romance stories; I’m interested in the complexity of love in all the 20 years I’ve been making films and let Jamie know her true feelings? As friends and versus the kind of love that lasts for years and affairs and I’m interested in telling this story shorts and I do feel, arguably, that this is the lovers weigh in with their observant, sometimes potentially forever if you’re just close friends. which is one of confusion. first lesbian musical. But I put a caveat to that hilarious opinions (often in song), the possibil- I think especially in the queer girl community, WCT: In addition to playing out this de- because I see it as a love story comedy with mu- ity of a new love interest for Jessie also begins in my experience, there can be a lot of emotion- lightful story you add this cool, unpredict- sical numbers. I didn’t set out to make a feature to cloud the picture as the moving deadline ap- al and political problems because of that gray, able twist with songs which come out of the length musical per se. It’s a hybrid for sure. proaches. moving line of intimacy and love versus lust. For blue—starting with the song in the coffee Jamie and Jessie has been touring the fes- example, many lesbians are friends with their ex- tival circuit to responsive audiences and good lovers—not everybody and not all lovers—but reviews (AfterEllen dubbed it “A pop confection it’s pretty common. And I think that’s less so in with surprising depth”) since June and now the mainstream, straight culture. movie will have its hometown premiere at the WCT: And in queer male culture. You know

“FRESH and FUNNY... a sex comedy designed In the for adults with Next Room open hearts and minds.”

or the vibrator play – The New York Times

by Sarah Ruhl directed by Sandy Shinner featuring Kate Fry, Lawrence Grimm, Jamie and Jesse Are Not Together. Joel Gross, Patricia Kane, Mark L. Montgomery, shop in which Jessie starts singing to her co- WCT: What’s been the reaction to your com- Polly Noonan worker soliciting advice and ends up getting bining these disparate movie genres from and Tamberla Perry some from all her regulars. It’s a Glee-like screening audiences? moment. WJC: When people haven’t seen it there might WJC: I think for me, incorporating musical NOW OPEN! be some resistance if an audience doesn’t quote numbers into this romantic comedy, this drama, unquote care for musicals and they’re seeing Thru Oct. 9 only! this love story, was something I’ve always want- that word used. But it’s not a typical musical by ed to do in a feature film and I think they serve any means. TICKETS: to entertain on a superficial level but on a deep- WCT: The approach reminded me a bit of er level, it gives both the characters and the au- Once, where it’s more of a dramedy with mu- call 773.871.3000 dience a chance to “cleanse their palates” with or TTY 773.871.0682 sical numbers. The songs seemed to function these songs in a more creative, honest way. You more as musical interior monologues in a or visit can be more honest when you’re singing often. sense. Does that resonate with you at all? victorygardens.org That’s why music is obviously such a universal WJC: That’s a great comparison—especially thing in the world in general. So I just wanted because I love that movie and think it’s very Group/Student to incorporate that tone into the movie. People original with great characters so, thanks, I don’t Discounts Available really get a kick out of the gay Greek chorus that mind that reference at all [Laughs]. I put in. WCT: This movie was shot with a Chicago WCT: Yes—they’re fun. The Luden’s Cough cast and in and around Chicago. So, for na- Drops brothers, with their long beards... scent local filmmakers, can you talk about the WJC: Yes! [Laughs] They’re the onlookers who nuts and bolts of putting something like this In the historic Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL comment on the action—our gay bear Greek chorus. In my mind those two characters know Turn to page 31 WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 31 WENDY JO from page 30 it makes when someone watches the trailer or reads the synopsis on the website or whatnot or QUEER from page 29 light Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part I, is in the- in a film festival catalogue. I don’t have control atres Nov. 16. Out director Bill Condon (Gods together? Is it creatively and financially vi- over the latter—how they tend to segregate. & Monsters; Kinsey) helms this film. able? Can you make a living doing this? Some go as far as using little icons that des- November I’m particularly excited about The Artist, WJC: Boy that’s a lot. [Laughs] I’ve been mak- ignate the movies “for women” and “for men” Reeling 30, Chicago’s LGBT international the French silent movie that’s winning criti- ing films for 20-some years so I’m not new at and I feel like that’s pretty condescending and film fest, runs Nov. 3-12. The fest, the coun- cal and audience raves from festival audiences this. This being my second feature-length film as so limiting and also, ironic. We can all read the try’s second oldest, celebrates 30 years of an- wherever it plays. It’s the tale of a silent age a director, having learned a lot from the Hannah synopsis; I don’t need an icon to tell me that nually presenting the best in LGBT cinema to film star (Jean Dujardin, who won Best Actor Free experience and then, I’ve made 20 short segregation within my own queer community. Chicago audiences. This year promises to be at Cannes) on the way down in love with a films in different genres so I’m used to playing WCT: It’s that opening scene from Yentl— particularly exciting with debut screenings of lovely starlet whose career is on the rise—a with different approaches; different lengths; so “Sacred books for men, storybooks for wom- the highly anticipated lesbian-themed drama sort of silent Star Is Born as it were (and it’s, I’m used to following the muse and I trust my en.” Pariah (produced by Spike Lee) and two com- of course, in glorious black and white). It’s in gut and my creative attractions and interests. WJC: [Laughs] Yes, that’s it, exactly. I mean, pelling documentaries: We Are Here, a personal theatres Nov. 25. A film is a collaborative experience and you we’re already queer; not part of the mainstream. history of the AIDS crisis related by five San need to get the right people around you who I don’t need the queer film festival to make sug- Francisco residents who lived to tell the tale. December share in your vision and hopefully, you like each gestions for me. The film, which David Weismann (The Cock- Now the award contests really heat up and other as people so you can have a rapport. With WCT: But the flip side of that is that audi- ettes) directed, has been receiving critical ac- expect the one between Meryl Streep (star- this film I was anxious to make a film with lesbi- ences often want to be told; they—we—do claim and was recently the subject of a lauda- ring in The Iron Lady (Dec. 16), the biopic of ans and women characters as protagonists that seem to crave that in culture these days. tory piece in the New York Times. Windy City England’s dragon lady ruler, Margaret Thatcher) was not about death, not about coming out, not WJC: Also true—but that’s a bigger subject, Times is co-sponsoring the movie’s presenta- and Glenn Close (playing the title role in Al- about the melodrama of someone cheating on isn’t it? [Laughs] tion at Reeling. Vito—the latest movie from bert Nobbs (Chicago release date TBD), as a someone. I wanted to go further into my own WCT: Which we’ll save for another day. May documentary filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz that is Dublin woman who lives as a man and works experience and things I’m interested in. Unre- I just finish by saying that there are charac- a portrait of Celluloid Closet writer and AIDS as a butler to fulfill her financial dreams in the quited love for example. This is something that ters and themes in Jamie and Jessie are Not activist Vito Russo—will also be screened dur- 1880s) to be particularly intense. will resonate far beyond the lesbian audience. Together that will appeal to audiences of all ing Reeling (both docs co-presented by the Also in theatres this month are Pariah (first WCT: Yes—the movie certainly touches on sexes? Queer Film Society). screening at Reeling 30, December release universal themes. I’m glad you mention that WJC: Absolutely. I would just like to add that In a Windy City Times exclusive, Reeling 30 date TBD); Polanski’s Carnage (Dec. 16) whose because there’s a movie playing around town I have a lot of thoughts, insights and opinions has also announced The Wise Kids, a coming- cast includes Jodie Foster; the U.S. remake of called Circumstance that is very clearly a and, to be honest, uncertainties around labeling of-age drama that filmmaker Stephen Cone shot The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (no word on budding lesbian romance and that element and the marketing of queer films and in particu- in Chicago, as its opening-night presentation whether the bisexual character’s girlfriend will has been downplayed in both the trailer and lar my film, now that it’s done and going to be Nov. 3 at the Music Box. Other titles in the fest be in the first installment) (Dec. 23). December synopses for the film—it’s been very “coded” seen. The primary audience is obviously a niche include August, Cho Dependent, CoDependent also features a slew of mainstream, big-budget and I’m guessing that’s in an effort to get audience—queer women and men, but I want it Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same, Going Down releases—World War Z, Sherlock Holmes: A mainstream audiences to give the movie a try. to also be entertaining and universal enough to, in La-La Land (the latest from writer-director Game of Shadows, The Darkest Hour, Mission this is, I would imagine from a bottom line as you said, appeal to audiences of all genders. Casper Andreas), Hit So Hard: The Life and Impossible: Ghost Protocol, The Adventures point, a tough conundrum when it comes to I certainly want to encourage everyone to come Near-Death Story of Patty Schemel, Longhorns, of Tintin and War Horse. marketing a movie. Did you hesitate about out and support our Chicago premiere (at the Private Romeo and Wish Me Away. tagging your film with the “lesbian” label? Gene Siskel Film Center Friday, Oct. 28). I’ll be My Week with Marilyn—based on writer Was that thought about; discussed? there along with a lot of my cast and crew. Colin Clark’s memoir as gopher to Laurence WJC: Yes, I’ve thought about the branding, See http://www.jamieandjessie.com. Olivier on the film set of The Prince and the so to speak, of the movie and the impression Showgirl, which co-starred Marilyn Monroe— is in theatres Nov. 2. Vengeful FBI director J. Edgar Hoover gets the biopic treatment (with FALL MUSIC: SIDEBAR Upcoming releases script by Milk Oscar winner, out screenwriter —Ivy: All Hours, Sept. 20 Dustin Lance Black) in J. Edgar. Leonardo Di- Upcoming shows, —Miguel Migs: Outside the Skyline, Sept. 20 Caprio plays Hoover while Armie Hammer takes releases and more —Frankmusik: Do It in the AM, Sept. 27 on the part of Hoover’s purported lover, Clyde —Gloria Estefan: Little Miss Havana, Sept. Tolson. Clint Eastwood directs the movie, out 27 Upcoming Concerts Nov. 11. —Bangles: Sweetheart of the Sun, Sept. 27 —Melissa Ferrick at Space, 1245 Chicago Neil Patrick Harris is back and having fun —Erasure: Tomorrow’s World, Oct. 4 Ave., Evanston, Friday, Sept. 16 playing off his image in yet another edition of —Sneaky Sound System: From Here to Any- —Erasure and Frankmusik at Congress The- the wacky comedy Harold & Kumar series, this where, Oct. 18 ater, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., Friday, Sept. 16 one titled A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas —Dev: The Night the Sun Came Up, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Sept. 17 (Nov. 4). Fans of homoeroticism will surely get —Camille Bloom: Never out of Time, Nov. 8 plenty of that when the Twilight series contin- —Ani DiFranco at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Shef- Nikohl Boosheri and Sarah Kazemy star in —Florence and the Machine: Untitled, No- field Ave., Wed., Sept. 21 ues and features more shirtless Taylor Lautner vember Circumstance. —Star Anna at The Space, 1245 Chicago scenes. This penultimate installment, The Twi- Ave., Evanston, Saturday, Sept. 24 Must-see videos —Dar Williams and Joan Osborne at Park —“All in This Together” by Star Anna West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., Thursday, Sept. 29 —“Breakin’ Up” by Friend Slash Lover —Cake: Five Year Anniversary LGBT Show- —“Can You See Me Now” by Benni Cinkle “ case at The Red Line Tap, 7000 N. Glenwood, —“Collide” by Leona Lewis griPPing! Saturday, Oct. 1 – EDGE NEW YORK —“Diamond Crowned Queen” by Raja A TRANS COMING-OF-AGE STORY!” —The Pack a.d. at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. —“Excuse” by The Ettes Western Ave., Thursday, Oct. 6 “ —“Invisible” by Skylar Grey AN ASTONISHING DEBUT —Sara Bareilles at Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. —“Jealousy” by Will Young [BY] HARMONY SANTANA.” Racine Ave., Tuesday, Oct. 11 —“No ID” by Frankmusik featuring Colette – Jeannette Catsoulis, THE NEW YORK TIMES —The Keep a Breast Tour featuring Uh Huh Carr Her at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., “ —“Where Have I Been All My Life” by Friend THIS FILM SOARS! BEAuTIFul, Wed., Oct. 19 Slash Lover COMpEllING & pOWERFul.” – SAN FRANCISCO CHRONIClE —The Sounds with Natalia Kills at Vic The- atre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Saturday, Oct. 22 “BREATHTAKING!” – Brandon Judell, CulTuRECATCH.COM MOTION FILM GROUP PRESENTS The Bangles. A FILM bY RASHAAD ERNESTO GREEN Photo by Jerry Nunn

ESAI MORALES JUDY REYES HARMONY SANTANA LANDMARk CENTURY CENTRE CINEMA 2828 N. Clark St. At Diversey • (773) 509-4949 STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEmbER 16 www.landmarktheatres.com For more inFo and to watch the trailer: gunhillroad.com 32 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES MUSIC more men were expressive because, I’ll tell you, Erasure’s Andy Bell. Has he ever tried to get there’d be a lot less trouble in the world. into your pants? WCT: Do people ever think you’re gay? F: No, no—not at all. The closest we got was F: I hope so, because that means I’m sur- when we were doing the new single and he en- Frankmusik mixes it up rounded by stupid people that I can manipulate. joyed what I was making so much he said some- That’d be nice. thing like, “I could fall in love with you,” but I WCT: What’s your a.m. routine? Pop music-maker on ‘restricted’ WCT: Who are your boy crushes? think he was referring more to the music that we F: Shower, shit, shave. No, wait—shit, shower, F: George Clooney. He’s an absolute gentleman were creating. [Laughs] He’s a wonderful human straight guys, teaming with shave. You don’t want to shit after you’ve al- and a brilliant, brilliant human being and very being and incredible to work with. I see Andy Erasure and getting naked ready had a shower. The three S’s. Sometimes good at what he does. And he’s just really classy more as a family member than a sexual stranger. you can do four S’s if you’re lucky, which is sex, for the gays about it. I love classy guys. Not being a gentle- WCT: When did your relationship with Era- By Chris Azzopardi shit, shower, shave. That is much more likely to man drives me crazy. I think being respectful sure start? happen these days since my missus has moved and well-mannered is one of the most attractive F: Beginning of this year, I think. I met Vince Frankmusik goes where no straight man’s gone in. things that any human can be. [Clarke] at his house in Maine and I met Andy in before. Just look at what he did in 2008, when WCT: How did your move from London to WCT: You’re an anomaly in pop music, be- London. I met them both separately—and I’ve he disrobed—and bared his bum—for a spread L.A. influence the album? cause the genre is so dominated by young fe- yet to actually meet all three of them at the in one of the U.K.’s gay magazines. Then, re- F: Just not being in London, being in a new males—and you’re a straight white guy. Why same time, so that will happen when I’m on tour cently, he got naked again—on a massage table, city. I haven’t got any really massive circle of do you think there are so few like you in pop with them. for a promo that has a bunch of bears giving him friends or anything. I came here to experience music? WCT: How would you compare the sound of a rubdown. emptiness. European culture is very clustered, F: Once again, it goes back to that culture their album and yours? Clearly the guy’s an original, which isn’t just very pedestrianized, and everyone is very closely of what it’s like to be a man these days. Why F: I mean, it’s Andy Bell. The vocals are in- evident in his friendliness with the gays—but knit. I love L.A. for its vastness. It’s devoid of is it that we feel that the only type of males comparable. His male tenor is like a freight his music, too. With that, he’s proved that pop any real sort of social integration because it’s so that should succeed in this market are ones that train running through a China shop. I mean, the isn’t just a woman’s world, mixing music for Lady spread out, and I love that. I love the fact that come from a boy band? Or they’ve got to be a power! You believe every word he says, because Gaga and Pet Shop Boys and releasing his first I can be really anti-social and obnoxious in my rapper, or they’ve got to be some beardy guy he lives what he says. He is in the song. It’s not album, Complete Me, two years ago. studio and just concentrate on work. holding an acoustic guitar. Apparently dancing some cookie-cutter bullshit, and that’s what I around and singing pop songs is only reserved love about him. for people like Usher and black culture, which I They stand for actually creating so many think is bullshit. White guys can do it, too, but things that have been imitated blandly since I think we’re having a huge identity crisis. they first made it. They’re incredible, incredible I’m not a heavily political person, but I think pioneers. And I’m glad I could celebrate their there are some real plain facts staring us in the originality once again. face that need to be dealt with—why can’t a guy WCT: Was it intimidating working with dance and sing without being seen as queer? them? Does that say anything bad about me, or does F: No, no. It felt like my calling, it really did. that say something really bad about the culture? I felt like I needed to make that album—for me WCT: Tell me about your relationship with and for them.

Susan Werner in DADT documentary Chicago Sept. 24 on HBO Sept. 19 The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt Univer- This September, at the moment the repeal sity (ATRU), 50 E. Congress Pkwy., will pres- of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) goes into ef- ent “On Stage with … Susan Werner” Saturday, fect, HBO will show The Strange History of Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, a strange-but-true tale Werner’s concert will feature songs spanning of the U.S. military’s ban on gays and lesbians her nine-album career, including her latest al- from its implementation, through passionate bum, Kicking the Beehive, an 11-song collec- protests and debates and, finally, to its 2011 tion of original work that combines roots of repeal. Frankmusik. Photo by Jam Sutton American folk, blues and country music. In ad- It will have a sneak preview Tuesday, Sept. dition, she will perform her classic song, “Give 19 (12 midnight ET) on HBO, followed by the The 25-year-old follows up his electro-pop WCT: You’ve gotten naked for the gays on a Me Chicago Any Day.” documentary’s first prime-time play Wed., debut with Do It in the AM, but it’s not the couple occasions. Do your gay friends call you Tickets are $50-$75 and are available online Sept. 20, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). only project with his name attached to it—he a tease? Because I think you might be. at http://www.ticketmaster.com, by calling Among the featured subjects are: Mass. Rep. also produced Erasure’s new album, Tomorrow’s F: I could be a tease; it depends on if you 800-982-2787 or by visiting ATRU’s box office. Barney Frank; Ct. Sen. Joe Lieberman; former World. fancy me or not. The main thing is, I’m having Pa. Rep Patrick Murphy, an Iraqi war veteran On the road with the synth-pop legends dur- fun. That’s such a shit thing to say, but it is ac- who played a leading role in the Don’t Ask, ing their first U.S. tour in five years, Frankmusik tually that. Straight male artists are restricting Don’t Tell repeal; Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach; chatted about how working with Erasure was themselves through their sexuality, and I think Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer; Jeh C. John- his “calling,” being an anomaly in the music you should just be open to anything, especially son, general counsel of the Department of business and why he wishes more straight men in press. If someone has an idea and it’s taste- would let go of their inhibitions. ful, yeah, I’ll do it. Fuck it. When I did the nude Defense; and Aubrey Sarvis, executive director Windy City Times: Hey, Frank, how are you? photo shoot, that was for male eating disorders. of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Frankmusik: Hot. Not hot in a physical sense. I wanted to support that cause, and if it meant (SLDN). Like, it’s actually hot. a few famous guys getting their clothes off and WCT: I already know you’re hot physically, talking about their own experiences with eating ‘All My Children’ stars anyway. and their health, then fuck—any day dude, any F: Thank you, sir. Compliments will get you day. at Sidetrack Sept. 23 everywhere. [Laughs] WCT: Why is it such an issue for straight Several current and former stars of the day- WCT: Where does mine get me? guys to open up like that? time serial All My Children will be at a tribute F: This is a recorded conversation. I’ll tell you F: You have to ask them, because I’m defi- party for the show Friday, Sept. 23—the last off the record some other time. nitely not one of them. I think it was because I day the soap opera will air on TV—at Side- WCT: How did the title track, “Do It in the was brought up by my mom; I didn’t have a dad, track, 3349 N. Halsted. St. AM,” come about? so I didn’t have, like, this tenacious male figure The event will benefit Season of Concern, the F: It’s about losing it in my mind. I’ve never in my life that was trying to make me fit a cer- Chicagoland theatre community’s fundraising really spoken about this in an interview properly tain mold or anything. My mom sent me to bal- effort in the fight against AIDS. because I don’t really think anyone’s really been let school and poetry recital classes. I mean, I Co-Hosted by Jason Spitzer and ABC 7 Chi- highbrow enough to engage with it but, being was dancing around in a fucking leotard! I didn’t cago’s “Windy City Live’s” Val Warner, sched- creative, I like having the creative freedom at know any different. If you don’t know anything uled to attend are Chrishell Stause (Amanda night, because it’s like my little secret. I’m mak- different, it doesn’t mean anything. It’s imposed Martin), Terri Ivens (ex-Simone Torres), Jeffrey ing the party in my studio, and I’m making the on you, this kind of straightness. Carlson (ex-Zarf/Zoey), Brian Gaskill (ex-Bob- I feel so bad for guys, because you have this songs that people want to party to. by Warner), Matt Borlenghi (ex-Brian Bodine) culture where people’s gender has to fit into WCT: So do you keep an alcohol stash in the and Chris Bruno (ex-Michael Delaney). a demographic, which is just stupid. Men are studio? Doors open at 11 a.m. General-admission just as expressive as women. I was just lucky F: No, no. I don’t drink. Well, hardly. It just tickets are $25 ($35 at the door), and come enough that somebody as intelligent as my doesn’t agree with me. I used to drink like a fish, with a drink ticket; VIP tickets are $100 each. but I just get heartburn. I’m getting old, man. mother brought me up that way. It’s a combina- Susan Werner. PR photo See http://www.seasonofconcern.org. And the hangovers—I actually cannot stand the tion of common sense and not sort of digesting concept of a hangover. the bullshit that’s fed to you in culture. I wish WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 33 FALL MUSIC Hunter Valentine frontwoman talks travels, coming out BY ERICA DEMAREST paired up, and we did different wrestling match- es. Somebody got a bloody nose. Another girl All-girl queer rock trio Hunter Valentine is slated was put in a chokehold by her drummer. to perform in Chicago Sept. 16 at The Abbey Last night a bunch of them all broke into a Pub. Known for their gritty, honest sound (think pool and went skinny-dipping. It’s just an in- The Runaways meets pop melodies) and their in- sane tour. We’re having a great time. Oh! And your-face high-energy live shows, the Toronto before we left New York, we kidnapped a fan and natives have amassed a loyal fan base across the renamed her Snowflake. We’re trying to make her United States and Canada since coming together come on the entire tour. in 2004. WCT: Who did you kidnap? With two albums under their belt and a third KM: Just a random fan. She’s coming along for in the works, the ladies recently kicked off their the ride. first bicoastal U.S. tour. We caught up with lead WCT: Are you still trekking around in your singer Kiyomi McCloskey as the group made its beat-up minivan? way through North Carolina. KM: [Laughs] No. We’ve upgraded in life. We Windy City Times: Hi, Kiyomi. have a much larger van now. Kiyomi McCloskey: Hey. Can you hold on for a WCT: Are you focusing on one particular al- second? [Pause] OK. We’re just driving. I’m try- bum for this tour? Hunter Valentine. ing to help navigate at the same time. KM: We’re playing mostly from Lessons from WCT: You’re in North Carolina today, right? the Late Night [the group’s 2010 album]. But were marching away—you know, full mohawk, KM: I wish I had the cover. I think my mom KM: Yeah, we’re on our way to Greensboro. then we’re throwing in some new stuff because Ani Difranco tank-top craziness. I had a great might have a copy. It’s pretty funny. First time. after this tour, we’re getting ready to go back time that night. When I woke up the next morn- WCT: You’re playing Chicago Sept. 16 at The WCT: And how’s everything going so far? into the studio. ing, I had like 40 voicemails on my answering Abbey Pub. What can our readers look forward KM: We’re about a week into it, and we’re hav- WCT: Lessons from the Late Night was machine. People kept calling me. I answered the to? ing the times of our lives out here, to be honest harder than your first album [2007’s The Im- phone, and it was one of my good friends like, KM: They can expect a high-energy rock show with you. We became really good friends with patient Romantic]. Will you keep going that “Have you seen the newspaper yet? You better that they won’t forget. It’ll burn in their minds [bands] Vanity Theft and Sick of Sarah on other direction? go check it out.” until the next time we come to town. Is that tours, so we were put all together. It’s kind of KM: There’s definitely a certain level of aggres- So I ran downstairs in my PJs to the store and cocky enough for you? [Laughs] Everyone can like our dream tour. It’s called the Lady Killer sion that will be on this record, but we always there was—on the cover of the most widely cir- have a really good time. They can come meet all tour—it’s an all-girl tour. We’re all having such carry a pop sensibility to our music. I think it’s culated newspaper in Canada—my face about the bands. It’s just us. a good time, and you can see it on stage. going to be a good mixture of punk rock and me- to lean in and kiss my girlfriend. And it said, To learn more about Hunter Valentine, visit WCT: Any fun stories so far? lodic Motown references. You never know until “A quiet moment kicks off Pride: Young lesbians http://www.huntervalentine.com. For more KM: The other day in Washington D.C., all you get into the studio, but we’re really excited embrace.” After that happened, there was really info on the Lady Killer Tour, visit http://lady- three bands were in the green room, which was to get back into that creative mode again. no going back. It was kind of a blessing in dis- killertour.com. For more on the Sept. 16 show this dingy basement. Some of us may have had WCT: I have to ask: I hear you have a really guise because I had no choice. I have a really at The Abbey Pub , where they’re performing a few drinks, and we decided that Sunday would great coming-out story. supportive family and community around me. It with Sick of Sarah and others, see http:// be official band wrestling day, so there was a KM: [Laughs] So, I was 16, and I went to my was a good thing for me. www.abbeypub.com. giant mat that we put down on the floor. People first dyke march with my first girlfriend ever. We WCT: That’s hilarious.

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HOWARD BROWN HEALTH CENTER 34 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES BUSINESS Chicago, who posted a glowing review on yelp. at the beginning of each session. com. She wrote: “My daughter has taken the 4-5 In addition to Queer dharma, the center offers year-old ballet class and loves it! Miss Jennifer, many other open sessions and classes. Informa- Focus on Rogers Park her dance instructor, makes sure to teach the tion about these programs and free sessions can Windy City Times, in conjunction with QponChicago.com, is profiling neighborhood busi- classes in a fun, age-appropriate manner. The be found at www.chicago.shambhala.org. nesses in a series of features over the coming months. class is comprised of four other girls and Miss Jennifer. The small teacher-to-student ratio is Pilates Chicago Articles by Ross Forman. See http://www.qponchicago.com for offers this week on Rogers a rare find. And the class fees are fairly reason- 1220 W. Morse Ave., 773-274-2673, Park LGBT-friendly companies and services. able. After many conversations with other par- [email protected] ents [who] sent their children to other dance schools, NorthSide Dance Theater seems to meet Bark Place Sweet Attila’s Bake Shop our needs. She truly does look forward to the 1775 W. Greenleaf Ave., 773-761-4444 312-835-8444, [email protected] classes every week. On a side note, the NDT is a new dance school and is always receptive to Need to satisfy that sweet tooth? input from their clients.” Then look no further than Sweet Attila’s. Meanwhile, Tiana K., of Chicago has taken Building off the success from its time at the adult intermediate and advance jazz and ballet Glenwood Sunday Market, Sweet Attila’s, a bake classes, and also beginning hip-hop. Tiana, on shop, is now a permanent fixture in the Rog- yelp.com, said the staff and teachers have been ers Park neighborhood, along with its new sister “fantastic … encouraging and positive about my company, The Growling Rabbit, a café. Both are ability to rejoin the dance community.” Tiana located in the former Café Ennui space at the added: “They push you to try new moves, or old corner of Sheridan Road and Lunt Avenue. The moves with a new approach. Their major concern bake shop and the café now offer a new, vibrant is that you are doing things in a way that will destination for the Rogers Park neighborhood. keep you healthy and dancing for a long time. With its distinct lime green wall color, The Everyone at the studio is friendly and welcom- Growling Rabbit serves an assortment of sand- ing. wiches, soups, salads, and other items, such as They also have showcases at the studio at the quiche and vegetable pot pie, while Sweet At- end of every session. Each class gives a demo of tila’s supplies its ever-expanding menu of baked what they do in class for their friends and fam- goods including muffins, scones, tarts, brownies ily. They are completely optional, but are a nice “[Instructors] Jennifer and Matthew Zumann and cookies for the café and neighborhood. way to dip your toes into performing.” and Pilates Chicago have, quite simply, changed With advanced notice, the bake shop can ac- The NorthSide Dance Theater offers classes for my life over the past 4 1/2 years. I stand taller commodate large and special orders. The Growl- the “tiny dancers,” including Mommy and Me! because of them. I feel better because of them. ing Rabbit and Sweet Attila’s are open seven for both parent and child. There are options I’m stronger, more fit, and healthier in body and days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. for juniors and teens as well as adults. “Even if mind. I was in pretty bad shape when I started All bakery goods are flavorful, made with high you’ve never danced before, you are welcome in Pilates [with] lower back problems that kept me If you ask Fido, you can bet he’d wag his tail quality ingredients, said founder Laura Soncrant, our beginner-level classes,” Gage said. off my feet too often. They started slowly, tailor- in joy at Bark Place in Rogers Park, where a who operates on the principle that everyone ing a program to my individual and even daily safe, healthy and comfortable environment is should be able to enjoy amazing cookies and Shambhala Center Of Chicago needs, and now I can’t believe how far I’ve come. ever-present for the facility’s furry, four-legged more. 7331 N. Sheridan Rd., 773-743-8147, My posture has immeasurably improved and I friends. After being diagnosed with a number of food [email protected] am strong and flexible enough to do things I “All guests are treated as though they were allergies in 2006, Soncrant has learned to bake used to think I’d never achieve. Now I’ve seen our own pets and the individuality of each guest with alternate ingredients out of necessity and The Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago is what they’ve done for friends and coworkers I’ve is recognized and respected,” said Anthony has spent the last four years perfecting all of her part of an international community of over 200 referred; people can’t say enough good things Mesok, who founded Bark Place in 2007. “We favorite cookie recipes. centers. The center offers programs and classes about them.” – Sara B. strongly believe that all guests are entitled to “Whether you order cookies made with tradi- in mindfulness meditation and the contempla- Pilates Chicago is internationally recognized our complete professionalism, competency, con- tional ingredients, [with] alternative ingredi- tive arts, free individual meditation instruction, by the Pilates Method Alliance and meets the cern, and affection.” ents, or whether you order cookies as a gift or and a vibrant, diverse community of members highest standards of pilates training. The Rog- Mesok’s personal joy comes from dogs Ted and for yourself, Sweet Attila’s guarantees you will and friends who study and practice together. On ers Park location offers private, semi-private, Sela as well as Sprinkles, his 13-year-old cat. enjoy a remarkable treat,” Soncrant said. Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m., the center offers and group pilates sessions with well-trained in- Mesok’s professional pride comes from satisfied There are multiple savory options at Sweet At- Queer Dharma, a free meditation open house structors—and they can customize a program to customers—and, of course, their happy “par- tila’s, as expected. Such as numerous shortbread that caters to Chicago’s LGBTI group. meet the needs of each individual. ents.” Mesok also has a strong commitment to cookies and biscottis in a multitude of flavors. “Queer Dharma was established more than 10 Pilates Chicago is committed to a healthy, his community and has been successful working Don’t skip jen-love’s sandwich cookies, which years ago so that LGBTI persons feel comfortable flourishing environment, driven by health and with other Roger Park citizens to create a new come in many flavors. coming to a meditation center and being open happiness in hopes of making the community dog park, which is scheduled to open in October. Cookies are $15 per dozen, plus $2.25 percent about themselves in discussions with others,” strong, vibrant, and fit in body, mind, and spirit. Bark Place—where pets play and stay, as the tax for Illinois residents. Bulk order and whole- said Jon Feller, Queer Dharma coordinator. “It Its open level class will be taught by one of Pi- logo says—offers reasonably-priced day-care, sale pricing is available, and minimum orders is important to recognize the basic goodness of lates Chicago’s apprentices or staff members and overnight boarding and professional grooming may apply. everyone, no matter their sexual, gender or ra- is free to all. services. In addition, they carry an excellent Sweet Attila’s is proud of its two charity pro- cial identity, their present state of mind, or their Pilates Chicago also offers numerous private selection of Natural Dog and Cat food and treats. grams—one that aides the Donald P. Sparks own particular history. We are here every Sunday and semi-private sessions, driven to develop “We have several distinct [day-care] areas to Educational Fund, and the other that donates night from 6:30 until 8:30 and we welcome ev- long, flexible muscles, improve posture, and al- accommodate the varying needs of each guest, cookies to U.S. soldiers. eryone who has felt out of place in society. We leviate many common aches and pains. Pilates from the quiet and reserved to the gregarious offer a place to meditate together and readings Chicago is equipped with reformers, a Cadillac, social hounds,” Mesok said. “Whether needing and discussions to find out what the nature of Wunda chairs, barrels, and numerous props and a comfortable hideaway, party atmosphere, or a Northside Dance Theater our mind is, how to work with it, and how to auxiliary items. place to work on your physique, Bark Place has 7015-17 N. Glenwood Ave., 773-754-0192 bring sanity and gentleness into our lives. Oc- The Next Pilates Anytime Instructor Competi- what you need.” casionally we have special programs, including tion is a worldwide contest to find an inspiring Those who board their loved ones at Bark So you think you can dance? our annual Queer Dharma meditation retreat in and creative instructor to be featured in a full- Place can rest assured, just as the animals do, Well, it’s not just a TV show, but a lifestyle August.” length Pilates video on PilatesAnytime.com and because guests have a big fluffy blanket, and at the NorthSide Dance Theater in Rogers Park, The center’s mission is to help people recog- Pilates Style Magazine. soft classical music. where a warm, comfortable, well-managed place nize that everyone has a fundamental nature of One of the entrants is none other than Pilates “Our hope and goal is to accommodate any is home to Chicago dancers of all ages and mul- goodness, warmth and intelligence. This nature Chicago’s Jen. guest request,” Mesok said. “Just ask us and tiple styles. The NorthSide Dance Theater offers can be cultivated through mindfulness medita- “I am hoping to win the opportunity to share we will find a way to accommodate your special dance classes in the areas of ballet, jazz, hip- tion and can be further developed in daily life, my unique perspective with a larger audience,” needs.” hop, tap, Zumba, Pilates and modern for stu- so that it radiates out to family, friends, com- she said. “Joseph Pilates envisioned his method The grooming services at Bark Place range dents of all ages and levels. munity and the world as a whole. In the course restoring people to vibrant health; physically, from a luxurious bath and blow dry, to a stylish Their goal is simple: provide a warm and of our lives, this goodness, warmth and intel- physiologically, and mentally. In the fitness new look. Full grooming services are currently friendly environment for learning, performing ligence can easily become obscured by doubt, craze, this method is often reduced to a means available by appointment only, and it includes and enjoying dance. fear and egotism. The journey of becoming fully to improved physique. This work can provide SO clipping, bathing, drying, brushing, massage, NorthSide Dance Theater is Classical Dance human means seeing through fear and egotism MUCH MORE. I want to spread the word and ear cleaning, nail trimming and anal-gland Education for the 21st Century. “We believe in and waking up to our natural intelligence. It reinvigorate the Pilates Method as a means to cleaning. teaching dancers at their age and ability while takes kindness to ourselves and others, and holistic well-being.” Mesok and the staff at Bark Place have a keen keeping in mind their future growth,” said courage, to wake up in this world and to help To view Jen’s profile and watch her sample understanding of dog behavior and training, NorthSide co-owner Jennifer Gage. The other others. video, go to: http://www.pilatesanytime.com/ knowledgeable in nutrition and supplements, NorthSide owners are Steve House and Amy Rus- Queer Dharma begins with an hour of sitting next/vote.cfm?cid=2#Jennifer-Golden-Zumann. and are certified in pet first-aid by the American sell. and walking meditation, followed by a reading After you submit your vote, remember to click Red Cross. The NorthSide Dance Theater has been a hit or a talk, discussion, and ends with time to so- the link in the confirmation email so your vote among its customers, such as, Elizabeth R, of cialize. Free meditation instruction is provided will be counted. WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 35 NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC WCT: I know he is a supporter of your work because I was at the Hard Rock for an after- party during Lollapalooza and you both were Kid Sister: Chicago rap there. KS: Oh, yeah. The Perez Night Out was fun. He always puts a new track up on his website of mine. He is a powerful figure in the gay commu- artist on Kanye, Perez nity. We like to stick together. KS: He is one of the producers on the new al- WCT: Where did you meet Kanye West in the bum. first place? WCT: Who are some of the other producers? KS: My ex boyfriend was his tour DJ. He has KS: The list is so long well not as long as the always been a friend of my ex. last album. The Neptunes, DJ Mehdi, and XXX- WCT: I read you studied filmmaking at Co- Change who did “Control,” maybe Nadastrom, I lumbia College in Chicago. am not sure. KS: Yes, I interned in New York on a couple of WCT: Guest appearances? bigger indies. I thought that was what I wanted KS: There are some but I can’t say yet. There are to do because it seemed so interesting. After some from the rap world and some from the R&B those internships I noticed I don’t get paid much world. more than nothing, which was what I was paid. It WCT: Do you know when it will be released? is 14-hour days on the set on average. I had gray KS: We are getting things mixed now. There is hair after those two years. not a due date. We are getting things done and I Kid Sister. Photo by Angela Boatwright WCT: You did a film about 9/11 that is timely am touring. I have three new videos coming out. now. KS: The last neighborhood I lived in was Albany BY JERRY NUNN Two of them are shot and one we still need to KS: I have been listening to NPR. It has been shoot. One is being edited. One is super DIY with Park. Now I live in LA. pulling on my heartstrings, boo. It was so poi- WCT: Where do you get your nails done in Melisa Young—more popularly known as Kid Sis- this mystery musician. We shot the video the day gnant some of the stories I was listening to to- Chicago? ter—blew up with such singles as “Right Hand we recorded our first song together so the video is day. KS: I do them myself in Chicago. There are cer- Hi” and “Pro Nails” featuring Kanye West off her more finished than the song. You gotta be quick WCT: I heard the last time you were at Spin it tain cities where I can’t find what I need. Unfor- debut album Ultraviolet. She has deep roots in these days. was really packed. tunately, Chicago is one of them. Even in L.A., Chicago and returns the nightlife scene with an WCT: You are from Markham, Ill. Where is KS: It was really fun but last time it wasn’t there was a lady in Koreatown who had ill nail appearance in Spin Nightclub this week. She that? publicized enough that it was a mini-set. People designs but she was a bitch. She was really over- talked new music, nails and the South Side Nunn KS: No one knows the South Side unless you didn’t think it was long enough. priced. She had her homey prices and then the on One. from there. The south suburbs are very blue col- WCT: So you want people to know it is a American prices. [Laughs] I stole designs from her Windy City Times: Hi, Kid! You are currently lar. There is not a lot to do around there, which is smaller set. and eventually did it myself. Marie Nails is nice in busy working on new music. why many people don’t know these towns. There KS: Yes, I will sing a few songs and hang out to L.A. It is fancy. Kid Sister: Yes, this is album number two. I am are steel mills or nothing. That is where I grew have a good time in my hometown. It is always WCT: Do you hang out with Perez Hilton out tying up the loose ends and stuff. I am also work- up and why I did music—because it didn’t require good to come home and see old friends. I also like there in L.A.? ing on an EP that will proceed the album and an- anything. To do music you have to just like to to look at shirtless men. It is gonna be dope! KS: We run in very different social circles. He is other EP with another artist that is top secret so sing or play an instrument. Boredom started it Catch Kid Sister at Spin Nightclub, 800 W. very Hollywood and I am very not Hollywood! We I can’t say anything about it. I am really excited! off! Belmont Ave., Sept. 17 when she takes the have mutual friends for sure and sometimes talk WCT: You have been working with Scoop Dev- WCT: You moved to the North Side eventually, stage at midnight. Visit http://www.spin- on the Internet. ille. correct? nightclub.com for tickets and details.

look that is moldable, and I think it has helped Photo finish: Gay male supermodel me. WCT: Do you prefer print or runway work? Chris Fawcett on his success CF: Well, with runway there’s this rush—it’s a high, and that’s really fun. But, for me, I’m re- ally strongest in front of the camera. I really love BY Shawn Schikora CF: She’s amazing, she’s such a trouper! First of creating a little world … while I’m at the shoot, all, she’s one of the sweetest women, or celebri- evoking emotions and letting the photographer Former Navy serviceman Chris Fawcett, 25, is fast ties [for that matter], that I’ve ever met. She’s so capture those feelings. becoming the “it” boy of the moment. Sexy in a down-to-earth, and really open. She loved talking WCT: You seem comfortable modeling semi- sweet, wholesome way, the openly gay Fawcett about her kids, she’s so in love with them. And, nude. Have you ever gotten advice against is different from the dark, buff, brooding male she’s still got it! She is so sexy. We did some pret- appearing in erotic ad campaigns or photo models of the last decade. ty risky scenes but she is a really great woman, shoots? Moving from Denver, Colo., to New York several and she’s very professional. CF: At times, I feel I should have gotten advice years ago to pursue a modeling career, Fawcett WCT: You’re openly gay professionally; even when I didn’t. Being such a young, new model quickly gained success, getting exposure in pub- today, many models are not. Yet, you get reg- when I first moved to New York, I did some shoots lications such as Man, Genre and MetroPop, and ular work for hetero-oriented ads and photo which I feel are sexy and which I’m proud of, but modeling for such high-profile designers as DKNY shoots. Do you feel being out significantly af- for those photos to be what I was coming out and Calvin Klein as well as ad campaigns for An- fects, or limits, your fan base, with either men of the gate with, I now feel like maybe I should son’s SS11. Aside from modeling, Fawcett hopes or women? have had some advice against it. to pursue both acting and writing careers. He re- CF: I didn’t mean to be openly gay in the indus- I’ve definitely learned how to govern myself cently spoke to WCT about his career as a model try; it just kind of happened. I have trouble with and, these days, if I’m doing something that and his future ambitions. holding things back, or trying to hide things that I’m not comfortable with I’m not going to do it. Windy City Times: Your career is gaining mo- I don’t feel like I should have to. Regarding the In this industry, you get put into a niche. I was mentum quickly. Any thoughts on perhaps be- industry, I think sometimes people are quick to doing a lot of body [photography] when I first coming the next male supermodel? label you, and it’s sad that it’s like that. emerged on the scene and, for a time, that be- Chris Fawcett: [Laughs] As far as being the next In this day and age, as much ground that we’ve came my role. But lately, I’ve been focusing on male supermodel, right now I have my niche, and seen breaking when it comes to equal rights, I getting more into the fashion [side] of modeling. I do what I need to do [professionally]. But yeah, feel in some cases [discrimination exists]. I know I’m very comfortable with my body, and I’m sort it’s a dream, I’d love to have the next fragrance there are plenty of photographers who won’t of an exhibitionist! [Laughs] But as far as my ca- Chris Fawcett. Photo courtesy of Sandra Wee campaign and that prestige. It’s about how much shoot gay models, and I think it’s sad because reer, I’d like to continue to book more fashion. Tom work you put into it, so hopefully, with time. they’re passing on models who are truly talented WCT: What do you feel are the elements that WCT: If you weren’t modeling, what would and have a great gift. I see it happen a lot. But create a good working relationship between a or belief behind your early success? you be doing professionally? I have gotten work for hetero-oriented jobs, like model and a photographer? CF: You know, I’ve given everything that I can. CF: Acting has always been a big dream of mine, you said, and actually those are my favorite, be- CF: I think when the model is completely com- There are plenty of times in every model’s career and as I grow older, I find whatever I do has to cause I enjoy being free like that. It’s exciting to fortable with himself and he’s able to listen to when it seems like a struggle. But perseverance is be creative. For the last two years I’ve [also] been kind of play that role, because I’m very comfort- what the photographer has to say. It’s also im- key in anything that you do. I was never ready to focusing on writing, it’s been a passion of mine able with women. portant for the photographer to be able to convey give up—I have too much to prove to myself. So, since I was a kid. I never thought of writing as WCT: Your looks are quite different from the what he wants to get across. I think that when I persevered and I think perseverance is key to my something I could turn into a career until recent- brooding, heavily muscled models from the both parties can find the understanding of what success. ly. I’m about seven or eight chapters into [writ- past decade or so. Do you feel having a boyish, needs to produced, from there it becomes a very ing] an urban fantasy novel. I definitely think lean appearance has helped set you apart from pleasurable experience. Ego needs to be checked For more info on Fawcett, visit http://www. writing is going to be one of my next ventures. many other male models? at the door as soon as you walk into a job, on chosenmodels.com. WCT: You recently did a fun, sexy photo shoot CF: I think it has. But, I’d like to believe I’m both parties. For more photos of Fawcett, see http://www. WindyCityMediaGroup.com with Brooke Shields. What was she like to work sort of a chameleon, and can fit into many imag- WCT: Lastly, you’ve achieved success quickly, with? es. I do think I have an interesting and different at a young age. What’s the philosophy, attitude 36 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

the DISH WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN

back if it goes down the wrong path. We don’t want the crew to say, “There go Ashley and Etta Have what she’s having: on their mother-daughter drama!” WCT: Where did your look come from? Ashley Simone talks ‘Foodgasm’ AS: I used to perform at the Green Mill with Alan Gresik’s Swing Shift Orchestra on Thurs- BY JERRY NUNN Ashley Simone: Yes, and the later it gets the days. I love swing and got into that scene a darker so I have to go faster! while back. I started playing with the look. I What happens when sexy chef Ashley Simone WCT: So you not only the host but you pro- didn’t have the purpose in going out to look cooks up a show full of food and recipes with her duce Foodgasm as well? like Lucille Ball but now people say I look like a lesbian director mother? You have a Foodgasm! AS: I am one of the producers. There is Etta vamped up Lucy. I can be a little wacky or over Simone is rooted in Chicago studying at Co- Worthington, the director, as well and David the top sometimes. lumbia College dancing her way into the Ring- Strzepeck. So there are three of us. So I wear WCT: You have a cooking blog to go with the ling Brothers circus. She is currently finishing many hats. I am the chef, creator of recipes, show? up her degree in the culinary arts at the Illinois performer and producer. AS: Yes, I started my cooking blog when I was Institute of Art while filming her Foodgasm web WCT: Do you write your spiel? going to school and I changed it for the show series. Windy City Times visited the set to see AS: We have an interesting format because to specifically show recipes that I do. They are what is stewing with Simone. the crew needs some sort of a script but this is on the website as well. We are trying to do more Windy City Times: Hi, Ashley. This must be more freestyle as you can kind of see. We have a blogging about wine and the pleasure of food. difficult working in an outdoor shoot today, general idea of what we are saying and where I WCT: You are working on a cookbook? with all the bugs and dogs barking. am going to be so the camera can follow me but AS: Yes, but first I want to work on cookbook much of it is freestyle. calendar with a vintage pinup girl every month WCT: Where do the recipes come from? with a little recipe card. All of these recipes we AS: This is food that I love to cook. The show will begin compiling into a cookbook as well. focuses on alternative food, such as vegetarian WCT: Have you approached the Food Net- and gluten-free. I love cooking and I am just work? finishing up culinary school. AS: Not yet but we are still building this. I am WCT: Where do you want to go after school? not saying this is a rehearsal but in a way it is. Beef ‘n Brandy AS: Pretty much this show. This is something Everybody is figuring out how we do this. We are Restaurant and Bar that we just started in March with filming. We lucky. Our crew has experience working with past had the idea for a while but just started filming cooking and reality shows. We are all figuring it. I would love to have the show on a cable out how to do this and do it well. I don’t want to CHOW network. I would like to have different segments do a competition because we are not about that. with Foodgasm Travels or Foodgasm Lite. There We are about the sensuality and the fun. Let’s DOWN are many ideas for the show to grow. I also plan enjoy our food and the pleasure of it. We want to have a catering company in addition to the to film a nice pilot and have them approach us TOWN show. We could have Foodgasm parties! not us approach them. Ribs • Seafood • Salads • Stir Fry • And More WCT: Have you always performed in some WCT: You say, “Food is love.” How is food way? love? Breakfast AS: I started out performing as an actress and AS: When I cook for people usually I like them dancer for the first parts of my life. I worked and/or love them. Spending that time to re- Lunch professionally as a dancer with the circus at ally cook and not just give someone a Big Mac Dinner Ringling Brothers. This is a great way to blend and fries. Taking the time is love. You feed the Cocktails my two loves. I get to work with my mom, which people you love. My grandmother was very into is cool. being hospitable and welcoming at her table. It Wi-Fi WCT: How is it being directed by your moth- has always been a way to love the people you er? Now that she just walked away! are around in my family. 127 S. State Street AS: It can be a little trying but we try to work Fill up on Foodgasm at http://www.afood- In the Theater District on being as professional as possible. There is gasm.com. (312) 372-3451 • beefbrandy.net still the mother/daughter thing but we are very good friends. We work well together. We step Ashley Simone. Press photo

theDISH DINING LISTINGS American Hamburger Mary’s Fondue Mediterranean Middle Eastern Beef ‘n Brandy 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago Geja’s Cafe Socca Habibi Restaurant 127 S. State St., Chicago 773-784-6969 340 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago 3301 N. Clark St., Chicago 1227 W. Devon Ave., Chicago 312-372-3451 hamburgermarys.com/chicago 773-281-9101 773-248-1155 773-465-9318 beefbrandy.net Burgers, salads and sass served up gejascafe.com soccachicago.com habibirestaurantandhookah.com A Chicago tradition since 1967. in a kitschy atmosphere with an Romantic fondue dining. Live Featured on Food Network. Ital- Authentic Middle Eastern dishes. Serving pizza, burgers, meat loaf, on-site brew pub. classical and flamenco guitar. ian/French cuisine. Dinner daily Lunch and dinner until 4 a.m. homemade Foccacia bread and Extensive, moderately priced wine and weekend brunch. Outdoor Hookah bar. Delivery and catering more. Bakery list. patio. available. Roscoe’s Sidewalk Cafe Swedish Bakery 3356 N. Halsted St., Chicago 5348 N. Clark St., Chicago ITALIAN Mexican SEAFOOD 773-281-3355 773-561-8919 Taverna 750 Mundial Cocina Mestiza Kingfisher roscoes.com swedishbakery.com 750 W. Cornelia Ave., Chicago 1640 W. 18th St., Chicago 5721 N. Clark St., Chicago Visit our popular outdoor cafe. European-style cookies, pastries, 773-348-5172 312-491-9908 773-506-7014 Salads, burgers, wraps, sand- breads, and tortes. We’ll create a Bright and fresh Italian small mundialcocinamestiza.com www.kingfisheronclark.com wiches, drink specials, and Sunday cake for any celebration. plates with an exciting cocktail Creative Mexican cuisine in the Fresh seafood in the heart of Brunch. menu. Surprisingly affordable. Pilsen neighborhood. Handshaken Andersonville. Award-winning margaritas and affordable wines. Chef Peter McCarthy. Reservations recommended.

To get your business listed in The Dish, contact [email protected] WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 37

GSWS SERIES 2011

PROUD DOESN’T EVEN DESCRIBE HOW PROUD WE ARE!

Series 2011 was one for the record books! Our team proudly hosted 150 teams from 41 cities in North America,

raised more than $240,000 and donated $25,000 to charity, including the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Families’

and Children’s Network and the Howard Brown Broadway Youth Center locally, and the Ben Cohen

StandUp Foundation, globally. A big thank you to our sponsors, media partners and

volunteers -- this event would not have been possible without you! You make us feel

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REAL ESTATE Own a piece of FOR SALE - HOMES Train $1200 Rent includes Heat and Laundry. Non 442-5660 (10/26/11–8) Smoking, No Pets, Garage Space Available. 312-386- Chicago history! WWW.GAYREALESTATE.COM Free Instant Access to COUNTRYSIDE - 1 & 2 BR’s. Park like atmosphere. 9022 (9/14/11-2) Chicago’s Top Gay REALTORS® on-line at www.GayRe- Carpeted. Off street parking & laundry available. alEstate.com or Toll Free 1.888.420.MOVE (6683) Appliances included. Near shopping centers & school. (4/25/12–52) FOR RENT - THREE BEDROOM Call for appointment 708-691-2876 (10/26/11–8) ANDERSONVILLE LARGE 3 BEDROOM. 3rd Floor Foster BERWYN- VERY NICE. 6926 W. 30th St. near park, 4br, FOR SALE - MULTI-UNIT BUILD- & Ashland. Decorated. Separate Dining Room. Wood 2 baths, CAC, Hrdwd floors throughout 1st floor. Brand ING finished floors. $1200.00 per month. Heat included. new 2nd floor addition. Full basement, driveway & Available October 1. 773-561-6568. (10/12/11-8) ANDERSONVILLE BRICK 2FLAT 1658 W.Hollywood. Re- garage available. Too much to list $1595 plus utilities. habbed -1st floor duplex with 2/3 bdrm 2 bth. 2nd Call for appointment 708-442-5660 (10/26/11–8) flr, 3bdrm 1 bth, sep hvac-hardwood floors, 2car ga- FOR RENT - SUBURBS BERWYN - STUDIOS/1BR, Immediate Occupancy. Heat & rage, granite kitchens w/ss appliances, beautiful baths. Water Included. Excellent locations near transportation. Walk to restaurant and shops. Reduced and motivated Appliances included. Call for appointment. 708-442- $535,000. J. Frank Hunter Properties. 773-771- 5660 (10/26/11–8) 3547 (9/14/11–4) SUMMIT - 58TH & HARLEM, 1 BEDROOMS. Near STOREFRONT FOR RENT transportation. Appliances, heat & water included. Fully restored Victorian Laundry & parking Available. Call for appointment. IN HISTORIC RIVERSIDE. Commercial/Retail Space greystone with open floor plan, 708-442-5660 (10/26/11–8) 2200sq ft, 1/4 block front train station. CAC, fully updated kitchen, 3+ bdrms, RIVERSIDE -STUDIOS & 1 BEDROOMS. Immediate carpeted 8 cubic plus separate reception area with Chad intricate architectural details, & occupancy. Appliances, Heat & hot water included. employee break room. Display window and lighted sign. Excellent locations near transportation. Call for lots of natural light. Large Move in condition. Call for showing and info. 708- Duda appointment. 708-442-5660 (10/26/11–8) English garden on oversized 442-5660 - Reliable Management (10/26/11–8) NORTH RIVERSIDE - STUDIOS/1 & 2 BEDROOMS. lot w/ garage. 2 rental units on FOR RENT - HOUSES Corner of 31st / Desplaines. Hardwood floors. Laundry the first floor & coach house. Available. Appliances, heat & hot water included. Call CHICAGO - VERY NICE. 5612 S. Narragansett. Across Conveniently located near the for appointment. 708-691-2876 (10/26/11–8) from park. One of kind house for rent. Brand new 2nd Medical district & Blue Line. NORTH RIVERSIDE –BALCONY OVERLOOKING GOLF story brick addition. 7 brm, 4 baths, CAC, balcony on COURSE. Deluxe 3BR, 2BA, CAC, carpeted, washer/ 1532 West Jackson 1st & 2nd floor, Full basement, 2 car garage. $1995 Residential Real estate dryer, appliances, dishwasher, diposal. Parking available. + utilities. Call for appointment 708-442-5660 Starting at $1295 per month+ utilities. Subject to credit Laura Calvache, Broker Assoc. (10/26/11–8) 773.398.4097 approval. Call 708-927-0263 (10/26/11–8) Coldwell Banker / 312.339.0021 [email protected] FOR RENT - TWO BEDROOM WESTCHESTER - 2 BEDROOMS, 1-1/2 baths. Oak [email protected] hardwood floors. Excellent location. Appliances RENOVATED 2 BEDROOM Old Irving Park. 3600N, 4200W 1532JacksonBlvd.info Included. Washer & Dryer hook up. Storage available. Convenient to Kennedy-Edens, Blue Line & Northwestern CAC. Plenty of parking. $1,100 plus utilities. Call 708- An independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. Offered at $1,000,000 WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 39

Share your special moments with the community in Windy City Celebrations Times’ new announcement section! Deborah Mell and Christin Baker wed After their Aug. 24 legal marriage in Iowa, Chicago couple Deborah Mell, an Illinois state representative, and her partner of seven years, Christin Baker, held a “blessing of the mar- riage” ceremony Sept. 8 at All Saints Episcopal Church on Chicago’s North Side. The Rev. Kerith Harding and The Rev. Bonnie Perry were clergy for the ceremony, which was attended by family, friends and several politicians, including former Gov. Rod Blagojev- ich and his wife Patti, who is Deb’s sister and was a matron of honor, and their father, Ald. Richard Mell, who was best man for the ceremony. Sami Grisafe, Beau Surratt, Joe Lill and Deborah Maddox performed musical selections. Photos by Hal Baim

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festive and sexy setting of Carnivale. 8pm- 11pm, Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton, http:// www.howardbrown.org Superstars of Burlesque Captivating enter- tainers who hold titles from the Burlesque Hall of Fame with sultry routines are big- ger and bolder than ever. Second show Brought to you by the combined efforts of 10pm. Tickets $25 online. 8pm-10pm, Park West Chicago, 322 W. Armitage Ave., WINDY CITY http://www.superstarsofburlesque.com SPACE STATION Melissa Ferrick promoting her latest, Still TIMES Right Here, with Ria Mae. $25-$40; 8pm, Friday, Sept. 16 Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, http://www.evanstonspace.com Wed., Sept. 14 Hunter Valentine Queer female rock trio; Singer Melissa Ferrick 8pm, Abbey Pub, 3420 W Grace, http:// Lilly Ledbetter Chicago Metropolitan Bat- will perform at AVANT-GARDEN www.abbeypub.com tered Women’s Network presents A Woman HIV/AIDS Fundraiser Stonewall Inn will Evanston’s Space, 1245 of Influence. Ledbetter challenged unequal Friday, Sept. 16 be raising funds for AIDS Walk Chicago. Chicago Ave. pay, leading to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay LCCP’s “Garden of Eve” will Benefiting University of Illinois HIV/AIDS Act; 11am, Renaissance Blockstone Hotel, take place at Carnivale, 702 W. Community Clinic Network.(UIC-HCCN); PR photo Chicago, http://www.smallbusinessadvo- 9pm, Stonewall Inn 8143 W. 47th St. Ly- cacycouncil.org/blog/2011/8/12-0 Fulton. ons “All You Can Shove” Tonight is “All You Can Shove” pizza at Boystown favorite, Pie Saturday, Sept. 17 6pm, 847-695-1093 x19, Arcada Theater, Hole Pizza Joint. That’s unlimited slices Photo from 2009 Gerber/Hart Library and Archives book 105 E. Main St., St. Charles, http://www. and fountain drinks for only $8.99! 5pm, by Mel Ferrand sale More than 50 categories of books, opendoorclinic.org Pie Hole Pizza Joint, 3477 N. Broadway, including LGBT, cookbooks, fine arts and http://www.pieholepizzajoint.com/index. social sciences. Fabulous selection of gift Monday, Sept. 19 html books; 12pm-4pm, Gerber/Hart Library, United House: A Night of Unity in House HIV-Positive Support Groups Wednesdays 1127 W Granville Ave, http://www.gerber- Music Join Hydrate Nightclub, Chicago- through Nov. 16; 6pm-7:30pm, Center on Thursday, Sept. 15 on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, http://www. hart.org Pride.com, and host Cyon Flare for United Halsted, 3656 N Halsted Common Threads’ Cook-Off Associate board centeronhalsted.org Boystown Pub Crawl: Tight Ends and Wide House: A Night of Unity in House Music, Gay Liberation Network Organizing Meet- hosts a cookoff targeting young profes- Chi-Town Squares Free classes Chi-Town Receivers Back by popular demand to featuring Resident House DJ Semaj; 9 ing Monthly organizing meeting of Chica- sionals who support Common Threads’ Squares is a modern square dance club celebrate the start of the two highlights p.m., Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, http:// go’s direct-action LGBTQ group, focusing mission to education children on nutrition for the LGBT community and their of the Fall Season: Fall beer and COLLEGE www.hydratechicago.com on how the activity of people in our com- and physical well-being. 6:30pm-9:30pm, friends. Contact Chi-Town Squares at: FOOTBALL! Each bar will be featuring a “Light the Way to Find a Cure” with Gold- munity, not the politicians, is what brings Fulton’s on the River, 315 N. LaSalle Dr., [email protected] or call unique seasonal beer and have a featured ie Hawn Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foun- about change. 7pm-9pm, 773-209-1187, Chicago, http://www.commonthreads.org 773-561-5691 for more information. shot! 3:30pm-9pm, North End, 3733 N dation and Presenting Sponsor Carson Berger Park Fieldhouse, 6205 N. Sheridan T Out Mic Open mic for both musical and www.chi-townsquares.org; 7:30pm-10pm, Halsted St Pirie Scott will kick off October’s National Road, http://www.gayliberation.net spoken-word performances intended to be 773-561-5691, Ebenezer Comm Center, Hallelujah Broadway “Hallelujah Broad- Breast Cancer Awareness Month with its Asians and Friends Dining Club Ostrich a safe and encouraging environment for 2nd flr- 1650 W. Foster, http://www.chi- way” showcases some of The Great White 26th Annual Fall Benefit; $250 per person and boar sliders ... and cheap. RSVP by members of the broad trans community, townsquare.org Way’s most uplifting songs that have in- or $150 for those under the age of 30, Mon. Sept. 12 at our hotline; 7pm, 312- along with their significant others, family Tori Amos Tribute Night Come join Chica- spired millions of theatergoers. 7:30pm- and sponsorships from $500 - $20,000 are 409-1573, Hop Hause Gourmet Burgers, members, friends and allies. Hosts Jami go’s best queer and queer friendly singer/ 10pm, 800-982-2787, Auditorium Theatre available; 11am, 312-926-4274, Ritz-Carl- 7545 N. Clark, http://www.afchicago.org Bantry and Lars Van Kite. Third Thursday songwriter and performers pay homage of Roosevelt University, 50 E Congress ton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St., Chicago, Only at Brunch Viewing Party Be the first of each month. 7pm-9pm, Center on Hal- to Ms. Amos. Featuring Manny Capozzi, Pkwy, http://www.ticketmaster.com/au- http://www.lynnsage.org to catch new episodes of Only at Brunch! sted, 3656 N Halsted, http://www.cen- Stephen Leonard, Diva Kai, Jeff Brown, ditorium From sex, dating, and relationships to teronhalsted.org Vallery Dolls and many more. $5 cover. Erasure afterparty Bring your ticket stub Tuesday, Sept. 20 news, politics, and bedroom etiquette, no Workout: Ballroom Dancing New begin- 9:30pm-11:30pm, Mary’s Attic, 5400 N for no cover all night long. DJ VOXBOX Celebrate repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell topic is off limits. 7:30pm-8:30pm, Scar- ner’s ballroom dancing class, $40/SAGE Clark, http://www.hamburgermarys.com/ until 5am; 8pm, Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, with AVER The organization of GLBT let, 3320 N Halsted, http://www.onlyat- participants, free for youth participants. chicago http://www.hydratechicago.com veterans in Chicago and the Center on brunch.com/ Email Lakshmi Nemani at lnemani@cen- Friday, Sept. 16 Nine to Twelve Suburban Bowling Longest Halsted will celebrate the repeal of the teronhalsted.org to take advantage of military’s anti-gay policy. Gay veterans LGBT-focused senior wellness fair There running LGBT league in suburban Chicago SAGE and youth offers. 7pm-8pm, Center will speak on the history of gays in the will be 40 vendors, a variety of workshops, meets on the third Saturday of the month. military, the DADT policy, and what lies complimentary lunch, wonderful raffle Additionally Nine to Twelve No Tap uses a ahead for gays in the military. 6pm, Cen- prizes, flu and pneumonia shots and free different format for higher scores, faster ter on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, http:// health screenings; 10am-3pm, Center on games and another showcase for bowlers www.averchicago.org Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, http://centeron- of all levels, first Saturday of the month. Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame Ce- halsted.org/images/sagefair.pdf [email protected]. 9pm, River lebrity Auction $10 registration fee in- Cocktails at Seven, God at Eight Join Rand Bowl. 191 S. River Rd., Des Plaines cludes one cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, raffle Congregation Or Chadash, Chicago’s only ticket and auction paddle. Reception GLBT founded Synagogue, at our annual Sunday, Sept. 18 begins at 7pm Bidding begins at 8 with Cocktails at Seven, God at Eight. Come Urban Village Church LGBT-welcoming wor- celebrity guest auctioneer Wayne Johnson schmooze over booze prior to Friday Night ship services at Urban Village Church are of NBC5 Chicago. 7pm-10pm, Sidetrack, services at 7pm. The service itself kicks off eclectic and experiential, practical and in- 3349 N Halsted St, http://www.glhallof- at 8pm. This event is FREE to attend. For telligent, relevant and, hopefully, inspir- fame.org more in more information, please contact ing. 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Urban Village Laurie at [email protected]; Church, Spertus Institute, 610 S. Michi- 7pm-10pm, 773-715-6598, Congrega- gan, http://www.newchicagochurch.com Wed., Sept. 21 LGBTQ Cancer Support Group A network- tion Emmanuel Building, 5959 N. Sheri- Chicago Spirit Brigade Workshops & Try- ing/support group for lesbian, gay, trans- dan, http://www.facebook.com/event. outs If you’re passionate about giving gender, and questioning people who have php?eid=266648536692975 back to the community & love to perform, cancer. The event is offered free of charge Violet Bailiwick Chicago will stage the then the Chicago Spirit Brigade (CBS) in- by Gilda’s Club Chicago and Live Oak. 6pm- award-winning off-Broadway hit “Violet,” vites you to tryout for their Drill, Dance or 7:30pm, 312-464-9900, Gilda’s Club Chi- a powerful and heartwarming story of a Cheer squad. No prior experience is neces- cago, http://www.gildasclubchicago.org vulnerable young woman’s challenges, sary. 1 p.m.-5 p.m., East Lakeview Fitness Only at Brunch Viewing Party Be the first loves and emotional journey on through Formula Club, http://csbstars.com to catch new episodes of Only at Brunch! Oct. 16. 7:30pm-10pm, 773-325-1700, Urban Village Church Wicker Park Worship From sex, dating, and relationships to Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave., Services LGBT-welcoming worship ser- news, politics, and bedroom etiquette, no http://www.bailiwickchicago.com vices at Urban Village Church are eclectic topic is off limits. 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Erasure Triumphant return to Chicago for and experiential, practical and intelligent, Scarlet, 3320 N Halsted, http://www.on- “Tomorrow’s World Tour” with two dates, relevant and, hopefully, inspiring. 5:30 lyatbrunch.com/ Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17. 8pm, Con- p.m.-7 p.m., 1502 N. Hoyne (at LeMoyne), Ani DiFranco Call for showtimes. 8pm, The gress Theatre, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., http://www.newchicagochurch.com Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield, http:// http://www.clubtix.com Fleetwood Mac member Lindsey Buck- www.jamusa.com LCCP’s Garden of Eve Benefits Howard ingham Call for showtimes. 8pm, The Vic Hydrag Review Join Hydrate each and every Brown Health Center’s Lesbian Community Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield, http://www. Wednesday night for the best female im- Care Project, the women’s program and jamusa.com personation show on Halsted Street! 9pm, includes a tribute to Christina Santiago, Patty Duke Live Benefit for Open Door Clin- FACE TIME Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, http://www.hy- raffle, silent auction, live entertainment, ic. Come see Patty Duke Live, watch the dratechicago.com/event-details/?event_ dancing with DJs, light hors d’oeuvres and film The Miracle Worker, with an interview Friday-Saturday, Sept. 16-17 id=120 open bar, entertainment including garden with Patty and question and answer time. pixies, live musicians and dancing—in the $25.00 www.opendoorclinic.org; 2pm- Erasure will perform at the Congress Theatre, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. Get WindyCityMediaGroup.com PR photo : online ChicagoPride.com WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 41

Tuesday • Sept. 20 • 7pm BILLY MASTERS season premiere of Glee...on taking questions from the audience and plug- “That’s not to say I wouldn’t like a penis. I really ging her upcoming CD—Carol Channing: True to our screens! would like one and I hope that someday I will the Red, White & Blue, which features patriotic get one.”—Chaz Bono discusses a goal for the ditties I believe she learned during the Civil War. then stick around for... future. Just what I need—someone else looking All of this information can be found on http:// for a hot dick. www.GayDaysAnaheim.com. Since I’ve been embroiled in a spirited game Some people on the Fan Forum at BillyMas- of “I’ll Show You,” I had lots of free time during ters.com were discussing Tom Hardy in the No Cover. my lengthy stay in Florida. Therefore, I was able film Bronson. Hardy, best known for his role in to accept the dinner invitation of a very hand- Inception,”really went out of his way to trans- some man. Like most things lately, it didn’t go form his body to portray one of Britain’s most as planned. The man in question was some 10 to notorious prisoners. While it was an impressive 15 years older than me—which, using Wikipe- acting job (which won him the British Indepen- dia and some rough conversions from the metric dent Film Award for Best Actor), most of my system, places him somewhere between 55 and readers were taken with his body—every inch death. Fine. But he acted a good 10 years older of which is on display. One person quipped, than that. As we all know, I’ve yet to act (or “There’s nothing like a naked muscular man be- dress) my age. At some point, I became acutely ing subdued by prison guards.” Well, if that isn’t aware of this 30-year gap. I believe it was when a stellar recommendation, I don’t know what is. he picked me up for dinner at 4:30! I’ll post pics and a clip of this subdued scene on Sometimes we rush to get a story out and then BillyMasters.com. something happens that I wish I could have Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Corey in included. Such is the case with a recent item London: “I just went to West End Bares—which that mentioned sexy Cheyenne Jackson. Within is like Broadway Bares in the States. LOVED IT! hours of filing my report, Cheyenne was in the What do you know about the hot guy from Pris- Hamptons getting married to his longtime part- cilla? Amazing bod!!” ner, Monte Lapka. Last summer, the couple had I had forgotten West End Bares was last week. registered as domestic partners and had a com- This event was the brainchild of my dear friend, mitment ceremony. But with gay marriage now Darren Carnall. It started last year when he was thanks to our legal in New York, there weren’t any obstacles friends at to a real wedding. He shared the news via Twit- ter (of course) by saying, “It’s official, after 11 years together, Zora’s no longer a bastard. Just married the best man I’ve ever known.” By the for more information way, Zora is the couple’s dog ... who they often see www.glhalloffame.org refer to as their daughter. She has Cheyenne’s eyes. TThheeVViiddeeooBBaarr 33334499NNoorrtthhHHaallsstteedd Sometimes I’m psychic. I reported that Hugh wwwwww..SSiiddeettrraacckkCChhiiccaaggoo..ccoomm /SidetrackBar Jackman was considering a limited Broadway run of his solo concert. Hours after my story hits the street, it was confirmed. From Oct. 25 through Dec. 20 (a date I’m sure is not cast in stone), Jackman will appear with an 18-piece orchestra at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theater. We previous told you about the upcoming pro- duction of A Streetcar Named Desire, which is slated to star Blair Underwood this spring. Now we can tell you that Nicole Ari Parker will play Blanche and Daphne Rubin-Vega will play Stella. The legendary Carol Channing will be at Gay The revival is being produced by Front Row Pro- Days in Disneyland—but probably not in a ductions, the same people who produced the all- bathing suit. Black version of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 2008. Next up, Kathleen Turner as Rosa Parks! Creative casting is not limited to Broadway. in the cast of the West End production of Legally Oh, no. The North Shore Music Theatre has an- Blonde—which was directed by Jerry Mitch- nounced its upcoming production of The King ell, who started Broadway Bares. This inspired and I will star Lorenzo Lamas as the eponymous Darren to organize West End Bares and raise King (unless he’s playing Mrs. Anna). When you money for the Make a Difference Trust (similar call for tickets, be sure to also specify chicken or to Broadway Cares). Last year was such a huge fish. hit, it returned this year to London’s Café de You all know that Darren Criss will take over Paris and raised in excess of $70K. Amongst the the lead in How To Succeed in Business for three hunky participants was Oliver Thornton—one of weeks once Daniel Radcliffe departs Jan. 1. But the sexy stars of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. who will replace Criss? Nick Jonas, that’s who— He plays the same part Nick Adams is doing on and he’ll stick around till June. This marks Nick’s Broadway and, with all due respect to the lovely return to the Great White Way after playing roles Nicky, Oliver is indeed amazing. I’d caution you in Annie Get Your Gun, Beauty and the Beast to crank up the air conditioner before heading and Les Miserables. I always had a feeling he over to BillyMasters.com—we’ll be sharing some was a thespian. pretty steamy videos and photos from the event You all know that Gay Days at Disneyland will (focusing on the lovely Oliver and, of course, my be happening Sept. 30-Oct. 2. I’ve already told dear Darren). you that Frenchie Davis will be singing her little When Brits are showing off their West Ends, heart out at the super-duper Kingdom party Oct. it’s definitely time for me to end yet another col- 1. But did you know that the next day I’ll likely umn. It’s been a while since I played “I’ll Show appear in a Speedo at the Plunge pool party? I’m You.” These days, it seems you’ve won when you sure that grabbed your attention. (I’m hoping have to change your marital status on Facebook for some grabbing) But say you want something to “Single” and your partner’s page is blocked. a bit less ... risqué. Then you’re in luck. The But that’s OK because you can always see www. legendary Carol Channing will also be appearing BillyMasters.com, the site that’s always avail- Oct. 2 (most likely not in a bathing suit) for able. To take advantage of my availability, just an “Intimate Conversation” at the Grand Califor- send an e-mail to [email protected] and nian Hotel. Proceeds will benefit her foundation I promise to get back to you before my dinner which is working to get arts back into schools, a date with Carol Channing! Until next time, re- worthy cause if ever there was one. She’ll also be member, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. First Mar- ket Days Classic a success

42 Sept. 14, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

tainly felt and there were moments [this week- Mayor, Quigley, Hawks Softball player end] where I just felt like crying as I recalled seeing him in the dugout with a scorebook or at youth hockey Wesley cheering us on when we made good plays. “The weekend highlight for his closest friends remembered actually came after the tournament on Sunday clinic at the Center By Ross Forman night at Sidetrack. Three different friends went By Ross Forman of public affairs for the Center. “Seeing the may- They celebrated Chuck Wesley on the softball or, the congressman, the Blackhawks, including fields this past weekend, honoring his legacy U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., ditched the formal a Hall of Famer, all here together to support by renaming a team for him that competed in attire Sept. 6 and, instead, sported a red Chi- LGBT youth and provide safe space and athletic the annual Senior Cup. cago Blackhawks jersey with No. 21 and MIKITA programs for all people, it’s overwhelming to be Wesley died this past Feb. 5, after a fight across the back. part of a community where your elected officials with leukemia. He was 52. Quigley, a hockey aficionado who even played and your sports heroes are standing shoulder to “Chuck Wesley was an amazing individual, ice hockey in the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago, shoulder with the LGBT community, working to loved by so many people from many different sported the jersey of Hall of Famer Stan Mikita— make a difference.” cites in which he lived, including Philadelphia, for a work event, no less. Richardson said the street hockey equipment Washington D.C., New York and, most recently, Quigley, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Ald. Tom Tun- will have a “huge impact on the Center. The Chicago,” said Brian Harder, 46, who lives in ney and other dignitaries attended a youth more resources our community has, the more Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. “Chuck hockey clinic at the Center on Halsted in Lakev- we’re able to do together.” had a bone marrow transplant in 2010 that we From left: Brian Harder and Chuck Wesley. iew. Plus, Quigley and Blackhawk Charities do- “The Chicago Blackhawks are proud to partner thought was successful, but when the disease Photo courtesy of Harder nated $2,000 in street hockey equipment for with U.S. Representative Mike Quigley, Mayor returned early this year, it claimed [his life] permanent use at the Center, including six boxes Rahm Emanuel and Center on Halsted on this within a week. It was a shock to everyone who to three different bartenders at Sidetrack and of street hockey sticks, balls, nets and goalie great initiative,” Blackhawks team president knew him. purchased drinks. Each time drinks were or- equipment. and CEO John McDonough said in a statement. “Chuck played softball in each city he lived dered, the bartender bought a drink or two of “Hockey is for everyone, and we’re trying to He did not attend the event, but several high- in and was always a team motivator and friend. the total order. It literally felt as if Chuck was bring all sports to all kids, and not just limit ranking team officials were present. When Chuck moved to Chicago, he organized with us buying us drinks at the bar and when the ‘Battered Boys’ team for the Senior Cup and we realized what was happening, it was a joy- filled it with friends from all over the coun- ous feeling that brought tears to our eyes.” try. ‘Battered Boys’ refers to being over 40 Harder put together a large collage of pic- and through the ringer of life, but still going tures that were collected from Wesley’s friends. strong. These friends have all formed a tight The photos were blown up, laminated and tied bond together based on Chuck’s leadership. together with zip ties, and then hung on the “This year we became ‘Chuck’s Battered Boys’ fences and backstops at the field. “Not only in his honor and played the tournament with were [the photos] appreciated by Chuck’s him watching over us.” friends, but many strangers came up to look at Although the team didn’t win the tourna- the pictures and it gave those of us who knew ment championship, the memories were price- him a chance to tell them about the great guy less, said Harder, a pitcher/outfielder. “It was that Chuck was,” Harder said. more about enjoying each other’s camaraderie “Chuck’s family lives on the East Coast, so that was brought about by [Wesley],” he said. there never was a real memorial service for him Harder said the tournament, naturally, was here in Chicago. This wasn’t quite a memorial emotional, as was the post-event get-together service, but it gave us a reason to celebrate at Sidetrack Bar. and remember the person Chuck was, so that “I found myself talking to Chuck at times we could have a little closure with his pass- while I was on the field,” Harder said. “Chuck ing.” From left: Chicago Blackhawk Niklas Hjalmarsson, 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney, Congressman was too weak to play in 2010, but he still Read the entire article online at http:// Mike Quigley and Chicago Cubs co-owner Tom Ricketts. Photo by Ross Forman brought us all together. His presence was cer- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com.

“We are appreciative of their support in grow- it to a few,” Quigley said. “My goal is to bring game in the double-elimination portion of the ing the sport of hockey on a grassroots level some version of hockey to every kid in Chicago, Weather impacts B-Division of the Series. while delivering such a positive effect on so if they want to play it.” The Chicago Breeze lost to the Los Angeles Hockey Hall of Famer Denis Savard attended many young people in our city.” ASANA World Series By Ross Forman Nemesis in its first pool play game in C-Division. the event, along with current Blackhawks Nik- “Athletics can help young people build con- The Chicago Raw Energy Minors and Chicago las Hjalmarsson and Brett McLean. Chicago Cubs fidence and leadership,” Center on Halsted CEO The annual ASANA (Amateur Sports Alliance of Raw Energy Majors also fell into the loser’s brack- CEO Tom Ricketts was also present. Modesto “Tico” Valle said in a statement. “Un- North America) World Series, held Aug. 23-27 in et immediately. Members of the Chicago Gay Hockey As- fortunately, too many LGBT youth are prevented Philadelphia, certainly was a memorable one—as —In other softball news, here are the results sociation (CGHA), including team president from participating fully in team sports because much off the field as it was on it. from the season-ending playoffs from the pre- Andrew Sobotka and Tony Tiet, attended as of bullying or other obstacles. We’re proud to The event “started with a shake and ended with dominantly male open division of Sunday soft- well. work with Mayor Emanuel, Rep. Quigley and the a blast,” said Bob Lenahan, co-chairman of the ball, run by the Chicago Metropolitan Sports As- “I am committed to building a healthier Chi- Chicago Blackhawks to provide the equipment, annual women’s softball extravaganza that fea- sociation (CMSA): cago which focuses on providing children more the training and the safe environment necessary tured five teams from Chicago. “Despite starting opportunities to be physically active,” Emanuel for LGBT youth to participate.” with an earthquake and ending with a hurricane, B-Division: said in a statement. “Thanks to the Chicago As for his casual attire, Quigley said with a we were able to complete all of the championship Champions: Spin Cougars Blackhawks for investing in Chicago’s communi- laugh, “Just another day at the office.” games with the exception of the C-Division. Runner-up: Downtown Bar & Lounge ties and giving children in neighborhoods across “The Philadelphia Sunday Hangovers and the the city the opportunity to play hockey and be Atlanta Gamma teams showed some great com- C1-Division: active.” petition and great softball that forced the ‘if’ Champions: Sidetrack Blues Emanuel talked of his push for all to be ac- game. Unfortunately, Mother Nature won out and Runner-up: Halsted’s Chargers tive and told of his participation in last month’s Hurricane Irene caused the cancellation of the Chicago Triathlon. Plus, Emanuel joked about final game and the two teams were crowned co- C2-Division: Quigley’s passion for hockey. Quigley also joked champs.” Champions: Jackhammer Pamas about his passion for the Hawks and hatred for The Philadelphia NJ Gems captured the B-Di- Runner-up: Crew Litening their arch-rival Detroit Red Wings. vision title, defeating the Fort Lauderdale New The mayor received a Blackhawks red jersey Moon Pride in the championship game. C3-Division: with No. 11 and EMANUEL on the back. The Philadelphia Simon 369ers defeated the Champions: Roadhouse 66 Lucky Charmers “Every once in a while you get to do some- Philadelphia Foul Play to win the D-Division title. Runner-up: Downtown Wicked thing fun and still do something for a worth- “It was a Series that clearly will be remembered while cause. The Hawks have been just out- for the great times, great events and great com- D1 Division: standing with this program,” Quigley said. “The petition,” Lenahan said. “The Opening Ceremo- Champion: SoFo idea is to eventually make hockey available to nies and Series were one of the largest to date, every gym in Chicago that wants it, [including] and everyone went home not only filled with D2 Division: every high school gym and every park district.” cheesesteaks but great memories.” Champions: Blueberry Moon Salon Blackhawk Charities donates equipment to None of the Chicago teams advanced far in the Runner-up: Hamburger Mary’s Rec Room Wreckers about six youth centers annually, such as Boys tournament. In fact, all five Chicago teams lost & Girls Clubs and schools. Mayor Emanuel and Center on Halsted CEO their first pool-play games. The Chicago Nubians “It was great,” said Brian Richardson, director Modesto “Tico” Valle. Photo by Ross Forman and the Chicago Moodswings each lost its first WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 14, 2011 43 CONNE IONS X MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS

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